This ethnographic study examines the disaster subculture of impoverished urban poor communities regarding extreme weather disasters, through the case of jjokbang‐chon, one of the most marginalized communities in Seoul, South Korea. The findings shed light on how jjokbang‐chon residents make meaning of disasters, where a sense of normalcy surrounds extreme weather, developed in response to recurring exposure to everyday hazards. This study offers insights into their lived experiences, revealing that the residents' perception of vulnerability often diverges from objective reality, primarily due to the pervasive “everyday disasters” that continually disrupt their lives. This “every day is a disaster” perspective, born from the chronic distress they endure, challenges their ability to recognize extreme weather events as disasters. This research carries implications for the field of social work by emphasizing the necessity of broadening the concept of vulnerability to encompass “everyday disasters,” and highlights the pivotal role of social work in addressing the multifaceted challenges presented by everyday disasters.

The transition toward a renewable energy future poses significant ethical challenges that demand careful consideration by social workers. We argue that the principles and goals of the just transition and human rights frameworks offer a helpful approach for social workers to focus their attention on the justice and equity dimensions of climate change, mitigation, and adaptation. Key priorities for a just transition include the need for ethical and inclusive decision-making processes that ensure equity in the distribution of the benefits and burdens and attention to systemic injustices. Proactive policies that prioritize social and economic justice, coupled with an intersectional approach, can mitigate the ethical challenges associated with the transition. A just transition must especially prioritize the inclusion of communities of color and vulnerable populations in decision-making processes to address historical disparities and prevent the perpetuation of environmental inequalities associated with fossil fuel extraction and production. The implementation of a just transition requires a delicate balance between environmental goals and the socioeconomic well-being of communities. By integrating ethical considerations, acknowledging cultural ties to industries, and fostering a transition that is both economically and socially equitable, we can aspire to a future that upholds the principles of justice and sustainability. A just transition away from fossil fuels unearths competing demands faced by individuals based on their positionality within communities. The role of social workers is more important than ever in navigating the ethical dilemmas that arise from the just transition. Social workers have the ability to guide community-centered decision-making processes, prioritize local perspectives in shaping the transition, and facilitate access to training opportunities, equipping community members with skills necessary for new employment opportunities in the evolving energy landscape.

Disaster experiences and explorations of preparedness among Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi Americans (APIDA) in the United States are often overlooked owing to their relatively smaller population share. APIDA are not homogenous, and their disaster experiences warrant further examination. This paper does so by investigating disaster preparedness using disaggregated information about APIDA. The study utilises nationally representative data from the 2017 American Housing Survey, analysing sociodemographic covariates. The disaster preparedness score among APIDA communities was approximately 4.81 on a zero to nine scale. APIDA renters and non‐US citizens were less prepared than homeowners and US citizens. Among subgroups, Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese respondents who were non‐US citizens were less prepared than those who were US citizens. Marital status was significantly and positively associated with preparedness among Indians, Japanese, Vietnamese, and multiracial respondents. The findings underscore the importance of data disaggregation and tailored preparedness information and resources to address specific challenges APIDA communities face instead of a one‐size‐fits‐all approach.

This study is an inquiry into the role of social work in responding to the vulnerability of poor older adults living in jjokbang-chon, a neighborhood with a high concentration of informal housing in Seoul, South Korea, to extreme weather disasters. The findings presented in this research are derived from a year-long ethnographic study. The fieldwork consisted of living in the community, carrying out participant observations through working with social work-related agencies, and conducting interviews with community members. The findings showed that the government-funded social work agency is mainly rooted in charitable material aid, or what we call disposable social work, and is not only wasteful in terms of the environment but also disposable in the sense that rather than addressing the fundamental problems, it is a short-term reactionary response whose effects quickly fade away. We highlight the work by the local grassroots group as an example of ecosocial work practice, which is more inclusive of the community members by providing opportunities for political participation and decision-making, The findings illuminate the role of ecosocial work in addressing climate change-related disasters in marginalized communities that empower marginalized individuals and communities.