Social vulnerability to environmental hazards and demographic risk factors

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Reviewer’s Abstract: A Review of the Social Vulnerability to Environmental Hazards Name Academic Institution

Reviewer’s Abstract: A Review of the Social Vulnerability to Environmental Hazards Although it is widely acknowledged that certain environmental hazards can have short and long-term negative implications for residents of specific areas, as noted by Cutter, Boruff, and Shirley (2003) in the article, “A Review of the Social Vulnerability to Environmental Hazards,” individuals from historically disadvantaged groups are often more vulnerable to the exposure to such events. Geography can obviously have a significant impact upon vulnerability, as certain individuals may live on fault lines, in hurricane and flood-prone zones, or in areas were tornadoes are apt to strike. Yet geography aside, demographics cannot be ignored. Age, gender, race, and poverty can all make residents at greater risk of being unable to relocate when necessary and unable to rebuild afterward. It can also make them more vulnerable to the physical and health risks of evacuation or remaining in hazard-prone areas. Non-English speaking residents may have difficulty in accessing necessary information to keep safe. Illegal immigrants may lack access to the necessary social safety net to enable them to obtain assistance. Individuals who rent, even if they are not low-income, maybe at risk if their structures are destroyed and they lack adequate access to housing, unlike homeowners who have insurance and are able to rebuild. Persons without significant family ties may not have the ability to stay with family members. The article’s greatest strength is its advocacy of creating a Social Vulnerability Index for residents, especially for high-risk areas.