Strengthening inclusive disaster preparedness in Brazil: an intersectional view of risk communication in informal settlements and traditional communities

Addressing the myriad of short to long-term impacts of climate change is a complex task requiring the integration of diverse geographical and social contexts. Intersectional approaches have proven effective in uncovering the nuanced experiences of diverse social groups (e.g., individuals of different religions, abilities, genders, and races), informing targeted interventions that meet communities' needs, and building collective, empirically grounded responses. Here, we investigated the barriers to disseminating and communicating early warning messages at the local level, focusing on communities in coastal and urban areas. Our research covered two traditional communities in Brazil’s southeastern coastal zone, Ubatumirim and Campinho, and an informal settlement, Jardim Colombo, part of the Paraisópolis Complex in São Paulo. By integrating demographic data, georeferenced disaster information, survey data, and qualitative data from focus groups, workshops, and interviews, we identify critical gaps in risk communication across these three case studies. We find that: a) Information about potentially hazardous events is often delayed, with updates reaching the public only after the event has occurred. b) Communication networks rely on technologies that frequently fail during emergencies, rendering them unreliable. c) A lack of distinction between official warnings and misinformation creates confusion and erodes trust. Our results also highlight the compounded challenges faced by school-age children and youth, individuals with disabilities, old persons, and those in geographically isolated areas. Additionally, the study acknowledges the increased burden on women, who often assume caregiving responsibilities for these vulnerable groups while at the same time navigating their own risks. Our findings call for a paradigm shift in early warning systems – towards more comprehensive and inclusive risk communication strategies capable of reaching risk populations before a hazard strikes.