A multi-hazard perspective on equitable adaptation and how to assess it

Natural hazards disrupt livelihoods and cause significant economic damage globally, disproportionately burdening vulnerable and marginalized populations. Adaptation efforts must become more equitable to better distribute risk among socio-economic groups, ensure inclusive representation in decision-making, and address root causes of vulnerability. While there are similarities across hazard types in achieving equitable adaptation, attention to their differences is essential, as each hazard type poses distinct adaptation challenges. Additionally, equitable adaptation to compound and consecutive events is complicated by potential maladaptation and adaptation trade-offs, further pressuring the most vulnerable. This study provides a multi-hazard perspective on equitable adaptation across various hazard types and multi-hazard events. We identify challenges for hazards based on magnitude (intensive vs. extensive), onset (rapid vs. slow), and for compound and consecutive events. To advance equitable adaptation to multi-hazards, we recommend that (1) equitable adaptation analyses address specific challenges by hazard type, (2) adaptation efforts are scaled up for extensive events, such as nuisance flooding, due to their cumulative impact on vulnerable groups, and (3) research advances toward multi-hazard thinking to prevent maladaptation and adaptation trade-offs. To support equitable, multi-risk adaptation decisions, methods must integratively capture the complexities of social and environmental systems, especially regarding consecutive and compounding events. This paper highlights recent advancements in qualitative and quantitative methods, as well as decision-making approaches, to tackle socio-environmental complexities. Our analysis includes (1) qualitative approaches for complex socio-environmental systems, (2) quantitative approaches for these systems, and (3) decision-making under deep uncertainty. Combining these in a mixed-methods approach shows potential for more effective modelling of equity and multi-hazard considerations.