2025 marks 20 years since Hurricane Katrina exposed systemic inequities in disaster response. As California battles historic wildfires, lessons from Katrina highlight the urgent need for equitable recovery efforts, climate resilience, and bipartisan leadership in rebuilding lives.
In the aftermath of major storms and wildfires, the threat of disaster capitalism and climate gentrification looms large, exploiting the vulnerabilities of affected communities. From Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to recent fires in Maui, these injustices persist. In this second part of our two part series we cover methods to counteract them. By educating themselves and others, building strong networks, demanding accountability, advocating for fair rebuilding, pushing for protective legislation, discussing climate reparations, and empowering through knowledge, we can create a future where justice and resilience prevail over exploitation. It is time to rewrite the narrative and build a world that truly cares for all its people, regardless of challenges faced.
When big storms and fires hit, some people try to profit from the damage. This is called disaster capitalism. In this first part of a two part series we will take a look at what happens after major storms like Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and a fire in Maui. We will also talk about climate gentrification, which is when people can not afford to live in safe areas anymore. It is crucial that when places are rebuilt, they help the folks who live there and keep their homes secure. We should work together to stop disaster capitalism and make sure everyone can recover fairly from these big disasters.