Disaster researchers have a moral obligation to work for justice.
Structural racism, legacies of colonialism, profit-centered and militaristic disaster planning, political corruption, and willful ignorance of historical disaster patterns are not mysterious factors—they are all well documented and known. For too long people have waited for that “one big disaster” to force change from outside. We propose that the time for waiting is at an end. An organization of disaster researchers committed to disaster justice is urgently needed, particularly in the context of the ongoing climate crisis. The goal is not simply reform, but also agitation and action built on a clear strategy for change.
In a world where suffering from disaster is chronic and unequal, disaster scholars have unique insights into the processes that create, intensify, and prolong disastrous conditions. As such, disaster scholars should unite towards the implementation of evidence-based policy; and, they should work together to hold government, exploitative corporations and multi-nationals, and other passive institutions accountable. Doing so is a necessary pursuit in service of addressing historical foundations that continue to propagate disaster injustice, protecting and supporting the public, particularly marginalized communities. Currently, there is no group of disaster scholars organized for the purpose of actively engaging with practitioners and policymakers. Nor is there an established channel for disaster scholars to voice their concerns over imminent hazards and failed disaster responses and recoveries. There is no centralized effort for scholars who wish to partner in solidarity with activist groups and networks, or to speak out with a united voice against all disaster-related injustices.
Disaster Researchers for Justice (DRJ) is formed to address these needs. To achieve this DRJ seeks to serve as a space for global affinity groups aligned towards disaster justice.
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