Natural hazard events and technological accidents are separate causes of environmental impacts. Natural hazards are physical phenomena active in geological time, while technological hazards result from actions or facilities created by humans. In our time, combined natural and man-made hazards have been induced. Overpopulation and urban development in areas prone to natural hazards increase the impact of natural disasters worldwide. Additionally, urban areas are frequently characterized by intense industrial activity and rapid poorly planned growth that threatens the environment and degrades the quality of life. Therefore, a proper urban planning is crucial to minimize fatalities and reduce the environmental and economic impact that accompanies both natural and technological hazardous events. This Special Issue focuses on: all atmospheric, hydrologic, geologic and geomorphologic hazardous natural phenomena that potentially affect human life and activities in urban areas; technological hazards such as salinization, desertification, fires, water and soil pollution/degradation, land use changes, climate changes, waste, civil disturbances, dam failure, hazardous materials incidents, pipelines, radiological events and transportation in urban areas; mapping, hazard and risk assessment, prevention, protective actions; hazard treatment, risk management technology, land use planning; innovative technologies, concepts and approaches for hazard mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
Keywords: urban areas; natural hazards; technological hazards; hazard and risk assessment; mapping; planning; solutions.