Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines how poverty increases exposure to disasters, with reference to key indicators, such as inequality and gender. It also examines the factors that contribute to the vulnerability of the urban poor to environmental threats and how the poor mitigate and adapt to such threats. The book addresses the material and social challenges that repeat environmental displacement presents for urban poor communities and the spatial tensions that exist between slum communities and environmental adaptations designed to safeguard cities against flooding and inundation. It investigates the role played by international agencies in disaster risk reduction and management. The book examines the role and capacity of national and local governments in the Philippines in disaster risk reduction and response. It explores the global and local politics of the aid industry.