Addressing justice in wildfire risk management

While justice considerations are commonly explored in the management of other hazards like floods and hurricanes, wildfire risk management has received less attention. In their study, researchers from the Equity and  Justice Research Group of the IIASA Population and Just Societies Program, advocate for three domains of justice to be incorporated into wildfire risk management to proactively address potential new conflicts across  stakeholder groups: distributional, procedural, and restorative justice.

The proposed framework categorizes these dimensions across the four phases of wildfire risk management: prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery or adaptation. It highlights the challenges and trade-offs that  arise, emphasizing the need for inclusive approaches that address social, economic, cultural, and ecological dimensions.

Furthermore, the framework underscores the urgency of operationalizing just approaches amid evolving wildfire risk contexts and escalating climate change mitigation efforts. Connecting these strategies to the Just  Transition discourse ensures that all communities, workers, and social groups are considered in the transition to a net-zero future.

In addition to identifying justice aspects, the framework also provides a foundation for inclusive governance practices. Integrating diverse justice considerations paves the way for more holistic and equitable wildfire risk  management strategies essential to navigating the challenges of a changing climate.