An up-to-date perspective on technological accidents triggered by natural events

Abstract

Technological Accidents Triggered by Natural Events (Natech) incidents are occurring more frequently worldwide, driven by rapid industrialization, climate change, and human-induced risks. Understanding all the dynamics of Natech risk is highly complex. Frequently, interactions between multiple hazards are disregarded. Studies have primarily focused on individual natural hazards, examining the most common damage scenarios, resulting in a recurring research cycle in Natech studies and potential oversight of other natural hazards (risk myopia). Sinkholes are becoming an increasing threat to industries every year, with the potential to escalate. Moreover, this hazard can also be triggered by anthropogenic stressors. The sinkhole threat needs to receive adequate attention in Natech research. Another threat, induced seismicity caused by anthropogenic activities, needs to be sufficiently addressed in the risk assessment of Natech accidents. The focal industries of Natech research include the storage, chemistry, and petrochemical sectors. The need for studies in the manufacturing industry (glass, metal, casting, textiles, furniture, automotive) underscores a gap in the literature. This study aims to present an argument that is both different and supportive of prevailing approaches in the literature by drawing attention to anthropogenic activities, often overlooked in the analysis of technological accidents triggered by natural hazards, the presence of potentially dangerous natural events, and industrial sectors that have been either wholly overlooked or the subject of limited research.