## 5 Discussion
The region's experience with extreme temperatures and floods highlights the importance of adapting to climate change impacts while maintaining stringent safety standards for technological and industrial operations [93]. South America's disaster profile, with 66.56% natural disasters and 33.44% man-made (technological) disasters, highlights the continent's exposure to natural hazards such as floods and storms, alongside challenges related to industrial safety and urban infrastructure. The findings suggest a dual focus on environmental sustainability and industrial risk management to mitigate disaster impacts in the region [109; 110]. The temporal analysis, across continents, reveals an increasing trend in disaster occurrences until the 2000s, followed by a decline in the most recent decade. This pattern may be attributed to advancements in disaster risk management practices, improved early warning systems, and greater global awareness of disaster risks [111]. However, the continuing high frequency of certain disaster types, such as floods and technological accidents, indicates the need for sustained efforts in these areas [112]. The examination of disaster distribution--both natural and man-made (technological)--across countries from 1900 to 2024 offers critical insights into the varying disaster profiles and vulnerabilities faced by different nations. This understanding is essential for developing disaster risk reduction strategies tailored to the specific needs and challenges of each country [113; 114]. Countries such as China and India are at the top of the list for disaster-prone nations, a reflection of their vast geographic areas, large populations, and rapid industrial growth [115]. The significant occurrence of both natural and man-made (technological) disasters in these countries highlights the critical need to integrate disaster risk reduction into national development plans [116]. Additionally, this issue extends beyond national borders, presenting a global international challenge and responsibility [117]. Disasters do not stop at national borders, making this a substantial political, economic, and diplomatic challenge [108; 118]. Natural disasters are particularly prevalent in countries like the USA, the Philippines, and Japan due to their geographical and climatic conditions [119]. The USA's high frequency of natural disasters, dominated by events such as storms and wildfires, reflects the country's exposure to extreme weather patterns and varied topography [120]. Similarly, the Philippines and Japan, located in seismically active regions and frequently hit by typhoons, face significant natural disaster risks [121]. These findings emphasize the need for robust early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, and effective emergency response mechanisms [88]. Countries with a high proportion of man-made (technological) disasters, such as Nigeria and Egypt, often face these events due to factors like industrialization, inadequate regulatory frameworks, and socio-economic challenges [122]. The high incidence of industrial accidents and chemical spills in these regions highlights the urgent need to improve industrial safety standards and enhance regulatory oversight [122], as well as to assess safety culture--the way things are actually carried out--e.g., by using maturity models [123]. Additionally, the socio-economic context, including political instability and lack of infrastructure, exacerbates the risk and impact of technological disasters [124]. The varied disaster profiles across different countries indicate the necessity for region-specific disaster management strategies [91]. For instance, countries with a high frequency of natural disasters should focus on enhancing climate resilience and investing in disaster-resilient infrastructure. In contrast, nations with a significant number of technological disasters should prioritize industrial safety measures, regulatory reforms, and capacity building in emergency response [125].