Citation

Kim K. Transp. Res. Interdiscip. Persp. 2022; 15: e100644.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.trip.2022.100644

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Having recently returned from the 2022 United Nations Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (UN GPDRR, 2022), it is striking that while progress has been made in improving early warning, evacuation planning and other systems for disaster management, far more research, development and implementation of robust systems for improving disaster resilience is needed. This was the 7th Global Platform session, entitled, “From Risk to Resilience, Sustainable Development for All in a COVID-19 Transformed World.” The platform provided an opportunity to assess progress since the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030) was adopted (UN DRR, 2015). More than 180 nations and close to 7,000 participants gathered in Bali to share information, demonstrate new technologies, and renew commitments to improve resilience. It was particularly good to see increased participation and leadership from women, persons with disabilities, island and underserved communities at these UN meetings, although much more can be done to increase inclusivity and widen participation. While the COVID-19 pandemic protocols involving on-site testing and procedures for quarantine and social distancing were generally well-managed, many people could not participate because of the pandemic. While we are all very much aware of the critical role that efficient, functioning transportation systems play in support of disaster response and recovery, the pressing needs, especially in poor and underserved communities throughout the world are apparent.

While the COVID-19 pandemic led to reduced travel and improved understanding of the connections between public health and transportation systems (Kim, 2021), the pandemic highlighted the vast health disparities in society in access to medical resources, insurance, treatment, and vaccines. It also served to remind us of the critical need to address misinformation, rumors, and scientific skepticism. These are larger socio-economic challenges facing emergency managers and transportation planners implementing protective actions for evacuation, social distancing, and other programs designed to mitigate harm from complex hazards and threats (Kim, 2022).

There are at least five research topics in need of more theoretical work as well as practical guidance emerging from the Bali meetings ...

#1. Leave No One Behind. One of the big cross-cutting themes of the UN GPDRR event is to leave no one behind in the face of storms, volcanic eruptions, landslides, tsunami and other devastating harmful events ...

#2. Focus on Vulnerable, At-Risk Populations. Persons with disabilities, those with access and functional needs, and those without ability to drive or use public transit are most at risk of harm from natural and man-made threats. More attention to both expansion of paratransit ...

#3. Greater Emphasis on Recovery Capabilities ...

Language: en