Rethinking Community Resilience: The Politics of Disaster Recovery in New Orleans

Rethinking Community Resilience explores the unintended consequences of civic activism in a disaster-prone city, showing that recovery efforts can exacerbate existing race and class inequalities and put disadvantaged communities at risk.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 03 August 2021
Publisher: New York University Press

After Hurricane Katrina, a surge of civic activism swept through the disaster-prone city, with thousands of people mobilizing to rebuild their neighborhoods. Government organizations, nonprofits, and other major institutions played a significant role in this recovery effort, providing assistance and resources to those in need. However, in her book "Rethinking Community Resilience," Min Hee Go argues that these recovery efforts may not always be the solution they appear to be and can, in fact, exacerbate the city's susceptibility to future environmental hazards.

Drawing upon extensive research, including interviews, public records, and other sources, Go delves into the hidden costs of community resilience. She reveals that, despite good intentions, recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina exacerbated existing race and class inequalities, placing disadvantaged communities at greater risk. These communities often faced barriers to accessing resources, housing, and employment, making it difficult for them to recover and rebuild their lives.

Go further shows that when governments, nonprofits, and communities invest in rebuilding rather than relocating, they inadvertently lay the groundwork for a cycle of vulnerabilities. By investing in infrastructure and development in flood-prone areas, they create a sense of permanence and encourage people to stay in harm's way, even when there are alternative options available. This can lead to increased risk of flooding, erosion, and other environmental hazards in the future.

As cities grapple with the challenges of climate change adaptation, rather than prevention, "Rethinking Community Resilience" provides valuable insights into the challenges communities face in the twenty-first century. Go highlights the need for a more holistic approach to resilience, one that considers not only the physical infrastructure but also the social, economic, and cultural factors that contribute to a community's ability to withstand and recover from disasters.

The book offers practical solutions for policymakers, community leaders, and residents alike. It emphasizes the importance of community engagement, collaboration, and empowerment in disaster recovery efforts. By working together, communities can develop strategies that prioritize both short-term recovery and long-term sustainability, ensuring that they are better prepared for future environmental hazards and other challenges.

In conclusion, "Rethinking Community Resilience" is a thought-provoking and important book that sheds light on the unintended consequences of civic activism in disaster-prone cities. By exploring the hidden costs of community resilience, Go challenges us to think beyond traditional recovery efforts and develop more sustainable and equitable solutions for building resilient communities. As we navigate the challenges of climate change and other environmental threats, this book provides valuable insights and practical strategies for building a more resilient and sustainable future.

Weight: 562g
Dimension: 158 x 236 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781479804894