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British pre-industrial economic growth has traditionally been analysed from the Malthusian point of view and other more optimistic approaches, but in many cases, ignoring environmental factors. This article explores the inclusion of the climate in this general debate, focusing on one of the colder periods of the last 500 years, known as the Maunder Minimum. The provisional results suggest that climate change and the resulting adaptations may have influenced the start of the English Agricultural Revolution, the Energy Transition and the European Divergence. However, from an econometric point of view these results are not fully conclusive, making it necessary to continue working with better primary sources and other alternative methodologies.

Globally, natural hazards present a serious and critical threat to life, as a result of both endogenous and exogenous processes. Natural hazards (geological, geomorphological, hydrological and meteorological) quickly present a risk to individuals, communities and societies when they are threatened with disruption or losses, with the impact being a function of their ability to cope and respond. Historical research is a key tool in determining the appropriate strategies for the identification of risk scenarios. Many parts of the world suffer from a dearth of instrumental information and data, as such qualitative accounts and records provide a crucial source of information in understanding the risks presented. The significance of long records is particularly pertinent when considering extremes, and such knowledge is crucial in better understanding the risks presented and in undertaking targeted mitigation strategies to reduce the socio-economic consequences and physical impact on private properties, strategic buildings, infrastructures and cultural heritage. This Special Issue aims to stress the importance of historical information and data as a strategic tool in framing planning decisions. Objective one is to demonstrate the significance of historical information in better understanding the risks presented by natural hazards (geological, geomorphological, hydrological and meteorological). Objective two is to stimulate a discussion between the international scientific community, technicians, policymakers and urban planners about the use of historical data and land use, planning and zonation. In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following themes: 1) Use of historical information in hazard and risk analysis; 2) Use of historical sources to assess and mitigate natural hazard risks to cultural heritage; 3) Land use planning and geo-risk assessment using historical data; 4) Analysis of the spatial-temporal distribution of extreme events; 5) Methodologies for data collection and management from documentary sources; 6) Geomorphological hazard and risk studies by historical sources; 7) Historical climatology and reconstruction of extreme weather events; 8) The analysis of natural hazards in data-poor regions.