Can earthquakes be good for public health?

Saturday, August 17th, 2013 | TONY BLAKELY | 2 Comments

Associate Professor Nick Wilson

There is no doubt that earthquakes have historically had a terrible impact on human populations – and the shocking damage to Christchurch and its citizens in 2011 is still very much in the minds of New Zealanders. But living in shaky Wellington, makes one regularly wonder what might be the potential long-term benefits of earthquakes for public health. So here are a few examples relating to urban design and building design, disaster preparedness, and increased use of stairs over lifts. Continue reading