In cities of the global South, low-income populations suffer disproportionately the impacts of climatic and other hazard events, as well as being exposed to everyday risks to health, life, livelihood and human security. Within these populations, women, the elderly, disabled people and those belonging to particular ethnic or social groups may be especially vulnerable. The COVID-19 pandemic is reconfirming the nature of who is most exposed and vulnerable to the different hazards society faces on a recurrent or long-term basis. The growing inequality faced by society and its repercussions on many livelihoods and lifestyle conditions are of major concern in terms of understanding this relationship.