Inclusion in Climate-Related Disaster Studies

Disasters are processes, of which the aftermath commonly impacts the most exposed and vulnerable communities. To reduce the risk of disaster, it is essential to promote inclusion by considering the perspectives, knowledge, and actions of different actors, groups, and sectors, which can be directly impacted by these kinds of events, and who can contribute at all stages, but mainly to prevention and preparedness. Studies and practices are often conducted through a top-down approach led by external actors, who do not consider the local context, needs, and vulnerable groups’ inputs. Then, these groups tend to be ignored and voiceless in the disaster risk reduction process, even when they are capable and could contribute. Thus, it is crucial to promote inclusive participation to enhance disaster risk reduction, especially among those who are directly impacted.

Since there is still a lack of inclusion in disaster studies, in this Research Topic, we are looking for case studies that showcase good practices. We would be delighted to receive experiences from researchers from all over the world, but we would especially like to give voice to those working in the Global South, whose work is focused on an inclusive approach to disaster risk reduction. We are also interested in emerging researchers, who work on disaster mitigation and use innovative and inclusive methods that foster active participation of exposed and vulnerable groups. Rather than considering a top-down approach, this Research Topic seeks studies that consider a more horizontal and holistic approach that allows exposed and vulnerable groups to actively participate in the research process for boosting disaster mitigation.

This Research Topic aims to draw emerging researchers from the Global South, presenting a good representation, and gender balance between researchers who study disasters with an inclusive approach. We expect authors to consider an interdisciplinary and diverse group, especially if submissions are led by more than one author. Contributions should be focused and/or related to one or more of the following groups:

● Children and youth
● Disabled
● Disenfranchised
● Elderly
● Impoverished
● Indigenous and local communities
● LGBTQIAPK and/or
● Women

We also encourage authors to submit studies where inclusive methods are considered to promote active participation of exposed and vulnerable groups, bolstering their support for proposing solutions and building their future, thus allowing them to be part of the disaster mitigation processes.

We welcome original research, review, perspectives, or methods papers that address the following topics:

● Challenges of exposed and vulnerable groups to face climate-related disasters.
● Importance of local and traditional knowledge in climate-related disaster studies.
● Reflections, and good practices to enhance inclusivity in disaster risk reduction.
● Use of earth observation data with an inclusive approach for disaster risk reduction.
● Use of people-centred methods in disaster risk reduction.
● Use of technological tools for improving inclusiveness in disaster risk reduction.

Keywords: disaster studies, inclusion, climate, disaster risk reductions, local voices

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.