Fifteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

Uneven impacts of flooding from Hurricane Katrina among minorities, lower income, and vulnerable social groups in New Orleans City, Louisiana in 2005 in the United States (U.S.) has raised environmental equity (EE) concerns. In general, flooding is known for its dreadful appearance, uncompensated losses, and damages. Unfortunately, due to climate change flooding would not subside in the future; instead it would be more frequent and intense in many regions, especially in cities due to growing population and dense settlements and infrastructures. Minorities, lower income, and vulnerable social groups tend to lack of resources to prepare for, respond to and recover from devastating flood events. Unfortunately, there is a dearth of empirical research examining the patterns of inequality that might exist in relation to both flood risk exposure and vulnerability to the diverse impacts of flooding. Therefore, this study adds to a relatively young body of scientific literature examining the relationship between flood hazard, exposure, social vulnerability, and policy, within the context of the well-established field of environmental equity (EE). Different cities in the US are explored in this regard using Geographic Information System (GIS) and statistical techniques. Conducting this study assists to identify critical areas of concern to help to carry out better policy suggestions that can promote sustainable developments in these areas that are in need, minimize uneven impacts, and ensure equity.