more specifically it shows that they are locked in a vicious cycle whereby initial socioeconomic inequalities determine the disproportionate adverse effects arising from climate hazards which in turn results in greater inequality this discussion is followed by a thorough review of the evidence demonstrating that the multiple dimensions of inequality as they relate inter alia to income assets political power gender age race and ethnicity underlie a situation where disadvantaged groups are more exposed and susceptible to climate hazards and possess less capacity to cope and recover when those hazards have materialized further it is shown that as a result inequality is exacerbated