Historian Uwe Lübken examines how the perception of natural hazards and catastrophes shifts from being historically seen as “Acts of God” to now being viewed as side effects of modernization and a social responsibility. Industrialization, urbanization, and population growth changed the damage patterns of catastrophic events fundamentally over the last two centuries. Lübken outlines how society’s handling of these hazards is perceivable in how they created and shaped the insurance industry as a means to control risk. Although natural disasters were once considered external threats, they are now understood as intertwined with human actions, particularly in the context of climate change. This shift reflects a broader recognition of human responsibility in shaping catastrophic events.