Research Counts
The Research Counts series serves as a platform for hazards and disaster scholars to provide insights about research findings and the enduring lessons of disaster, as well as to raise new questions that are worthy of exploration. The pieces in the series are brief, drawn from a variety of disciplines, and intended for a broad audience.
When disaster strikes, official reports may document statistics about deaths, injuries, and the loss and the extent of the damage done. But poetry and other art forms can capture quieter truths about the emotional toll, cultural losses, moments of resilience, and or the uneven way people are impacted.
Rapid depletion of groundwater and gaps in data availability leave some communities without a voice in water management decisions. These inequities can be addressed using already available information.
As disasters intensify and the youth mental health crisis persists, maintaining access to public data is critical for tracking which young people are most at risk and in need of evidence-based interventions.
The evolution of Japan’s public broadcast tsunami warnings in the years since the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami showcase the progress that has been made alerting and the steps that still need to be taken to reach multilingual audiences.
Incarcerated women face unique and severe mental and physical health challenges during extreme heat and other disasters. Lack of autonomy leads to increased risk and exacerbation of these challenges.
Resilience acquired from lived experience helped poor Black women in Lake Charles, Louisiana to navigate compounding disasters while remaining true to their spiritual, family, and community values.
Policies that deny flood aid to residents who cannot afford to repair their homes have created a gap that predatory lenders have jumped to fill.
Inclusive risk communication improves safety for all communities and is especially important for reaching people with disabilities or those that speak languages other than English. Learn more about key steps to make emergency alerts and warnings more accessible
Incorporating equity into infrastructure planning can strengthen both the physical and social aspects of the systems people use daily, resulting in more resilient communities.
If you are interested in contributing to this series, please contact Natural Hazards Center Director Lori Peek directly at lori.peek@colorado.edu.