Overview

 
New research from GlobalGiving illuminates the uneven impacts of intensifying disasters on the most vulnerable communities and charts a tested path for funders to forge a safer future for all.

The number of deaths from climate-related disasters is at an all-time low, with deaths per decade dropping threefold since the 1920s as a result of life-saving technology, early warning systems, evacuations, and other critical advancements.

However, this data alone is illusory. It obscures the harsh truth that the impacts of disasters are unevenly distributed, falling heavily on the most vulnerable communities.

The Global Majority bear the brunt of related losses, experiencing nine in 10 deaths and 60% of economic losses from climate shocks and extreme weather.

“The Disaster Preparedness Illusion: How Vulnerable Communities Are Being Left Behind In Disaster Preparedness And Risk Mitigation” examines how the hardest-hit communities are often overlooked by the news media and traditional philanthropy.

ACCESS THE RESEARCH

Drawing upon decades of GlobalGiving’s experience in disaster response, humanitarian aid, and trust-based grantmaking, author Allison Conroe shows how systems change and innovative philanthropic partnerships between government, private, and social sectors can create a more stable future. In the process, she outlines a path forward for funders who care about the communities most threatened by the uneven impacts of intensifying disasters.

Key Takeaways

 
Inside “The Disaster Preparedness Illusion,” you will find:

• Four philanthropy case studies from diverse regions—including Puerto Rico, Florida, Myanmar, and Japan—that demonstrate how the most marginalized populations are being left behind in disaster mitigation.
• Analyses of media coverage trends from Cyclone Mocha and hurricanes Maria, Fiona, and Ian, which illustrate the problematic correlation between media coverage and philanthropic interest in disaster response.
• Innovative solutions that top companies, foundations, and agencies—including Meta, Jim Beam Brands Co., the Walton Family Foundation, the Herbert W. Hoover Foundation, and USAID—have implemented to advance holistic disaster preparedness, recovery, and risk reduction.
• A promising approach to overcoming the status quo and stepping into new models for reducing the disproportionate impact of disasters on the most marginalized communities.
• A collection of more than 100 sources on the topic of inequity in disaster response and preparedness.

If your company, foundation, or agency is investing in disaster response, preparedness, or risk mitigation, “The Disaster Preparedness Illusion” is a must-read.

Filled with practical case studies, replicable solutions, and insights, it builds on GlobalGiving’s experience responding to more than 1,000 disasters and crises in 175+ countries and shifting power to crisis-affected communities through trust-based grantmaking and support.

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Learn more about GlobalGiving’s disaster response services for companies and foundations.