Anthropological Perspectives on Global Warming, Environmental Disaster and Disability
Lenore Manderson, School of Psychology, Psychiatry, and Psychological Medicine, Monash University
Natural disasters have increased as a consequence of global warming. Despite great differences in geographic location, types of events, and local and national political and social institutions, the impact of disaster everywhere follows the structural fault lines of the societies in which they occur and the political economic links between those societies and central powers. Disasters impact most severely on those with least power: women with children, and people who are elderly, disabled or impoverished. Through a focus on people with disabilities and chronic illness, I examine the conventional formula for disaster preparedness and response, and argue for the value of foregrounding the needs of those with the fewest resources. An applied anthropology of disaster points to potential benefits to all when disaster preparedness, response, and recovery plans include the expertise of those who are marginalized and with the fewest resources, and so work towards caring for all people during the unfolding processes of disaster.
