So understanding how the world can adapt to and mitigate ever changing threats - from tsunamis to terrorist attacks - is an important and growing business.

One of the hubs for this kind of research is Disaster City in Texas, the most comprehensive emergency response training facility in the world.

At the 52 acre site, Saima Mohsin learns how full-scale reconstructions of collapsed buildings are used to simulate a wide variety of disaster scenarios, from explosions to train crashes and earthquakes.

The findings are then usedto equip emergency personnel from across the world with the knowledge and technology to respond effectively in the most challenging situations.

If you would like to comment on this video or anything else you have seen on Future, head over to our Facebook page or message us on Twitter.