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Disasters, both environmental and technological, continue to inflict unacceptable human and economic costs. The number of weather-related disasters has doubled between 1996 and 2002, and scientists are warning that global warming will bring more windstorms, more floods and more droughts. The challenge to reduce the heavy toll taken by disasters has never been more urgent. This report focuses on reducing disaster risk. How significant a role can mitigation and preparedness play in reducing disaster losses? How can international disaster response better integrate with local responses? What non-structural approaches to mitigation from early warning systems and first-aid training to public awareness, education and advocacy are possible? And can we show that disaster preparedness and mitigation pay off in terms of lives, livelihoods and assets saved?