Environment/Climate Change
Disparities in experiencing multiple types of climate-related natural disasters and race-based obstacles to preparedness services in the U.S., 2023 Heather D’Angelo* Heather D’Angelo Abigail
Racial/ethnic minority populations are often vulnerable to the effects of climate-related natural disasters (CRND). Experiencing multiple types of CRND could compound existing health disparities, especially if systemic racism creates obstacles to disaster preparedness. We examine whether racial/ethnic minority populations experience: 1) multiple types of CRND; and 2) race-based obstacles to preparedness services.
Using the 2023 FEMA National Household Survey (n=7,604), associations between race/ethnicity and experiencing CRNDs (i.e. extreme heat, drought, flood, hurricane, tornado, typhoon, and/or wildfire) was examined with negative binomial regression(range 0 to 7). Logistic regression examined associations between race/ethnicity and experiencing race-based obstacles to disaster preparedness services (yes/no). Models were weighted and adjusted for age, sex, rurality, income, and education.
Experiencing ≥ 2 types of CRND was reported by 16.3% of U.S. adults, 22.7% of American Indian/Alaska Native, 19.0% of Black, and 18.0% of Hispanic adults. American Indian/Alaska Native adults experienced more types of CRND (IRR 1.33 [95%CI 1.04,1.69]) compared with White adults. American Indian/Alaska Native (OR 2.32 [95%CI 1.61, 3.34]), Black (OR 2.18, [95% CI 1.71, 2.78]) and Hispanic adults (OR 1.14, [95% CI 1.12, 1.71]) had greater odds of experiencing race-based obstacles to preparedness services vs. White adults.
In this national survey, American Indian/Alaska Natives experienced multiple types of CRND, and obstacles to preparedness services based on race were experienced by American Indian/Alaska Native, Black and Hispanic adults. Race-based barriers may exacerbate the impact of disasters on vulnerable populations, and further compound existing health disparities.