Wildfires and Inequality: Assessing Health, Race, and Resilience in Urban Landscapes

• In Event: 50620 - Section on Environmental Sociology Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 3: Disasters, Health, and Inequalities

Abstract

This study employs a mixed qualitative approach to examine the multifaceted health and social impacts of wildfires, a phenomenon increasingly driven by anthropogenic climate change. By analyzing a diverse array of sources—including peer-reviewed literature, medical records, newspaper articles, and in-depth interviews—, this research delineates the correlation between wildfire exposure and a rise in respiratory, cardiovascular, and psychological ailments such as anxiety and stress. The findings underscore that vulnerable populations, particularly BIPOC and NBPOC communities, as well as low-income groups residing in urban wildfire interfaces, experience disproportionate impacts. An intersectionality-informed framework—integrating concepts of disaster racism, social capital, and socioeconomic disparities—reveals marked differences in community preparedness, recovery, and resilience. Case studies highlight the 2023 Maui wildfire, further illustrating how current wildfire mitigation strategies often fail to address the unique needs of marginalized communities. Overall, this research calls for enhanced communication regarding wildfire-related health risks and advocates for equitable policy reforms to mitigate exposure and empower the most vulnerable populations in the face of increasing wildfire challenges.

Author

• Lauren Taylor, Howard University