## 5 Discussion
Finally, the observed decrease in disaster events during the 2011-2020 period may be a reflection of global disaster risk reduction efforts, such as the Sendai Framework [160], along with advances in early warning systems and emergency response capabilities [36; 88; 89; 90], although this decline may not be uniform across all regions or types of disasters. Also, as mentioned, this limited timeframe may not adequately reflect longer-term trends and could be subject to short-term fluctuations in disaster occurrences  
Man-made disasters, while initially causing fewer fatalities and economic losses, began to have a more pronounced impact as industrialization and technological advancements progressed [153]. The mid-20 th century marked a period where the consequences of industrial accidents and technological failures became more evident, contributing to a notable increase in fatalities and injuries [161]. This trend continued into the late 20 th century, with significant economic impacts arising from these disasters. The late 20 th and early 21 st centuries saw dramatic increases in economic losses from both natural and man-made (technological) disasters. This period reflects the dual influence of technological advancements and environmental changes [152]. On one hand, industrial growth and technological development introduced new risks and vulnerabilities, leading to severe industrial accidents and technological failures [162]. On the other hand, climate change and environmental degradation have exacerbated the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, resulting in higher economic losses and a greater number of affected individuals [163]. In recent years, there has been a noticeable reduction in fatalities from natural disasters, which can be attributed to improved disaster management practices [148], early warning systems [90], and global initiatives aimed at reducing disaster risk [164]. Despite this progress, economic losses remain substantial, underscoring the ongoing vulnerability of modern societies to both natural and man-made (technological) disasters [165]. Several key factors have influenced these temporal trends: the growth of industries and urban areas has increased the potential for industrial accidents and technological failures, contributing to the rising impact of man-made (technological) disasters [154]; the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related disasters, such as floods, droughts, and extreme temperatures, reflect the broader impacts of climate change [166]; while technological growth has brought numerous benefits, it has also introduced new risks, leading to significant industrial accidents and chemical spills [167]. The increase in recorded disaster impacts from the 1960s onwards can be partly attributed to better reporting mechanisms and increased global awareness of disaster risks [168; 169; 170]. The decline in fatalities from natural disasters in recent years highlights the effectiveness of global policies and disaster risk reduction frameworks, which have enhanced preparedness and resilience [171; 172]. Given the findings from our study, it is clear that future urban development needs to emphasize the integration of cutting-edge sustainable planning techniques along with robust infrastructure systems [173]. This is essential to reduce the risks and lessen the impacts of both natural and man-made disasters. The increasing likelihood of multi-disaster events, such as epidemics, underscores the urgent need for cities to not only adopt disaster-resilient strategies but also to revisit and potentially revise urban design regulations [174]. By applying strategies specifically designed to tackle the complex interactions between the socio-economic, demographic, and environmental factors we have identified, cities can build lasting resilience and adaptability to the growing frequency and intensity of disasters [1; 111; 49; 71; 16; 49].