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Disaster Aid, Equity, and Electoral Disruptions: Analyzing the Impact of Climate Hazards and Government Responses

Thursday, November 13, 1:45 to 3:15pm, Property: Hyatt Regency Seattle, Floor: 5th Floor, Room: 507 - Sauk

Session Submission Type: Panel

Abstract

Communities impacted by climate-related disasters often face compounded vulnerabilities due to a combination of environmental exposure, socio-economic inequalities, and the availability of recovery resources. This panel features three papers that explore the intersection of federal disaster response, structural inequities, and community-level outcomes, focusing on how these factors influence recovery processes, electoral participation, and support for marginalized groups. Each paper employs a distinct methodological approach to examine how disaster assistance and institutional responses can mitigate or exacerbate existing disparities.


The first paper, Hurricane Helene and the 2024 Election: Geospatial Analysis of Electoral Disruptions in Hurricane-Affected States (Brugger et al.), examines the effects of Hurricane Helene on voter turnout in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election. By utilizing county- and precinct-level election returns, FEMA disaster assistance records, and individual voter data, the authors apply spatial techniques to assess how varying levels of disaster severity and federal aid impacted electoral participation, and how this relationship varied across different geographies. The study highlights the role of disaster recovery policies in maintaining voter turnout and ensuring democratic participation in the aftermath of a climate crisis.


The second paper, Building Resilience through Equity: A 20-Year Analysis of FEMA Disaster Assistance and Structural Disparities (Kang & An), investigates systemic inequities in FEMA disaster assistance allocation over the past two decades. Drawing on a unique dataset of 25 million applications to FEMA’s Individual and Households Program, the authors use a two-stage empirical strategy to assess disparities in aid receipt and allocation. Their findings underscore the persistent inequalities faced by renters and low-income households in accessing disaster assistance, calling for policy reforms to better address these inequities and enhance resilience in marginalized communities.


The third paper, From Intent to Action: Factors Influencing NGO Support for Marginalized Communities Before, During, and After Natural Disasters (Kalenga et al.), explores the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in supporting marginalized communities before, during, and after disasters. Using social media and IRS data, the authors analyze the gap between NGOs’ intentions and actions in disaster recovery efforts, focusing on Hurricane Ida, Tropical Storm Ophelia, and Hurricane Helene. The paper provides insights into how NGOs can improve their outreach and collaboration with governmental agencies to better support underserved populations in disaster-prone areas.


Together, these papers expand our understanding of the challenges and opportunities in disaster recovery, particularly in addressing the needs of marginalized communities. By examining the role of federal aid, electoral participation, and civil society organizations, this panel highlights the importance of equity in disaster response and recovery systems. The findings offer critical policy implications for improving disaster resilience and ensuring more equitable outcomes for marginalized populations facing climate hazards.


 


 

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