Event: NOAA Seminar Series

Title: The Drivers and Consequences of Social Vulnerability to Disasters

Presenter: Fernando Tormos-Aponte, Wendy Prudencio, Gwendolyn Alexandre

Date:  Jul 26, 2023

Time: 12:00pm-1:00 PM

Sponsors:  NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory.

Seminar Contact: jan.kazil@noaa.gov

Remote Access: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7124906149160869466

Abstract: The Social Vulnerability and Resilience Lab (SOLVER) Research Lab is dedicated to advancing our understanding of social vulnerability, resilience, and preparedness in the face of disasters. SOLVER lab research adopts an interdisciplinary approach, drawing from fields such as anthropology, atmospheric science, sociology, political science, and critical geography. By doing so, the SOLVER Lab aims to contribute to and enrich these diverse fields while also developing innovative disaster recovery policies. The primary goal of these policies is to address the inequalities in disaster response and mitigate the potentially fatal consequences that arise from such disparities. The research highlights several key drivers and consequences of social vulnerability to disasters. Lab members will provide insight into the factors influencing the provision and restoration of electricity in the wake of disasters, with a particular emphasis on the case of Puerto Rico after hurricane María. Wendy Prudencio will focus on the factors that influence post-disaster population displacement, including unequal access to flood insurance. This research sheds light on how the availability and accessibility of insurance coverage impact the movement of people during and after disasters. Gwendolyn Alexandre explores the concept of compounding hazards, where multiple threats or hazards overlap or occur in succession, exacerbating the vulnerabilities of affected communities. By examining these compounding hazards, the research deepens our understanding of the complex dynamics that contribute to social vulnerability during and after disasters. Overall, the work conducted by the SOLVER Research Lab seeks to provide critical insights into the complexities of social vulnerability and resilience. By pushing the boundaries of existing knowledge and proposing alternative approaches to disaster resource allocation, the lab aims to reduce inequalities in disaster response and minimize the devastating consequences that marginalized communities often face.