Barriers to Hurricane Recovery in Frontline Communities: Climate Injustice on Florida’s West Coast

Abstract

Extant research has established that increasing global temperatures, sea level rise, and an increase in the severity and intensity of extreme weather events have significant implications for vulnerable communities, especially in coastal regions. We add to this body of literature by drawing on the cases of two recent Florida hurricanes to investigate how coastal communities were impacted by these events. In 2022, Hurricane Ian devastated southwest Florida, and less than a year later, Hurricane Idalia ravaged small islands and coastal communities along Florida’s Big Bend. We analyzed a variety of data sources including media coverage following each of the hurricanes, press releases, government reports, and other relevant materials to examine the impacts and recovery efforts in vulnerable communities along the coast in both cases, utilizing a climate justice framework. Results revealed that, in both cases, disparities on Florida’s west coast were not fully met by inequitable aid. Our analysis revealed themes of climate injustices in vulnerable communities, inadequate infrastructure in the face of climate change, as well as significant issues related to flooding and water contamination. We conclude our article by highlighting the need for improved infrastructure and policy to help communities recuperate following inevitable future climate events, as well as by making specific recommendations and suggestions regarding improved disaster preparation and recovery measures.