Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers' Favorite

From earthquakes to nuclear war, humankind is faced with threats to its survival from multiple sources, both natural and manmade. Michel Bruneau examines this sobering theme in detail in The Blessings of Disaster: The Lessons that Catastrophes Teach Us and Why Our Future Depends On It. Topics covered span everything from earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, floods, extreme weather, biological hazards, and terrorist attacks to the possibility of an economic collapse and World War III. The knock-on effects should also not be underestimated. A common factor is that preventative action is often too late and instituted after the event. The author reviews legislation such as building regulations and construction methods, concluding that more should be done to prevent or mitigate the extent of disasters. The inability to predict these events with any accuracy is also evaluated. This is where the politicians step in, often citing a lack of funding for what should be regarded as timely warnings and prudent precautions. There is an inherent conflict in that lives and property damage must be weighed up against higher costs involved, and lower profits by vested commercial interests. Ultimately the public must pay, but are both resistant and complacent. The role of the media and entertainment industry has muddied the water by sensationalizing and misrepresenting disasters, relegating them to distant events that seem unreal and non-threatening to the viewer.

Michel Bruneau is a professional engineer and a specialist in earthquakes, so a study of that phenomenon takes center stage, particularly as earthquakes pose a regular and tangible threat. The Blessings of Disaster highlights the lack of disaster planning by those in authority and the apathy of the general population. Climate change and its dire consequences are evaluated, as well as the impact of overpopulation on the environment. Even pets and farm animals contribute to climate change, just one of many interesting facts. The author catalogs all the possible doomsday scenarios, pondering the age-old question as to whether God’s will is somehow involved as some would have us believe. End-times theories abound, giving rise to a sense of fatalism and inevitability that leads to inaction. This book does not set out to be negative or claim to be a definitive work on the subject. It is a strident call to humanity to wake up, be prepared, and take action. It is thus a valuable tool in creating public awareness. As the title suggests, it may take a major catastrophe to change attitudes, but ultimately good can come of it. The book is painstakingly researched and comes with a long list of sources, plus an index. It is highly recommended for those who are concerned about our future.