On moving towards a more inclusive understanding of disaster risk reduction: A sexual and gender minorities perspective through the lens of global flood risk

Abstract

Considering social vulnerability of marginalized communities is crucial for equitable disaster risk reduction. This paper emphasizes the need to include sexual and gender minorities in global vulnerability assessments and policymaking. This community faces unique challenges in disasters, often overlooked in disaster risk reduction strategies and agendas. While natural hazards do not discriminate, societal ideologies and laws can, amplifying disparate outcomes. Our flood risk analysis reveals that over one-third of the global expected annual affected population – 26.5 to 33.9 million people – live in countries lacking legal protections for sexual and gender minorities. Future scenarios indicate this could double to 58.6 to 73.1 million by 2050. Meanwhile, two-thirds of those at risk to floods reside in countries with below-average societal acceptance of sexual and gender minorities, increasing their vulnerability before, during and after flooding disasters. To address these disparities, global frameworks must urgently integrate specific metrics into social vulnerability assessments and risk planning. Including marginalized communities ensures that disaster risk reduction efforts are more responsive and effective. By acknowledging the intersection of societal acceptance, legal protections, and disaster risk, we can advance more inclusive and impactful strategies to mitigate the growing impacts of climate-fuelled hazards like coastal and riverine flooding.