The concept of vulnerability to climate change

Vulnerability to climate change describes how susceptible individuals or communities are to the harmful effects of changing climatic conditions and their capacity to cope with these impacts.

Key dimensions of vulnerability

• Exposure to climate hazards - The degree to which people are exposed to climate change.
• Sensitivity to harm - The degree to which they could be harmed by exposure to climate change.
• Adaptive capacity - The degree to which they could mitigate the potential harm by taking action to reduce their exposure or sensitivity to climate change.

Factors influencing vulnerability to climate change

Various factors determine the level of vulnerability to climate change, creating disparities in how different groups and regions are affected.

Determinants of climate change vulnerability

• Geographical location - Where a person lives affects their exposure to climate hazards.
• Economic status - Wealth determines access to resources for adaptation and recovery.
• Demographic characteristics - Age and gender influence physical vulnerability and social support.
• Access to education - Education levels affect awareness and ability to respond to climate risks.
• Perception of risk - How individuals understand and perceive climate threats influences their preparedness.

Vulnerable population groups and their specific risks

Certain groups within society face greater risks from climate change due to their social, economic, or physical circumstances.

Groups at higher risk from climate change

• Women
• Children and the elderly
• People with disabilities or mobility issues
• Low-income individuals
• Minority groups and refugees
• Carers and single-parent households

Health impacts across life stages

Vulnerable locations and associated challenges

Certain geographical areas are more prone to the adverse effects of climate change due to their physical characteristics or environmental dependencies.

High-risk areas

• Low-lying islands and coastal regions - Vulnerable to sea level rise and coastal flooding.
• River mouths and deltas - Face increased flood risk and saltwater intrusion.
• Regions reliant on glacial water supplies - Threatened by declining glacier mass and changing water availability.

Many of these areas have much of their infrastructure and socio-economic activities located along the coastline, leading to potential declines in economic activities and infrastructure, as well as out-migration of people.

Impacts on indigenous communities and their environments

Indigenous populations often reside in environmentally sensitive areas and face compounded vulnerabilities due to socio-economic challenges and deep connections to their natural surroundings.

Challenges faced by indigenous groups

• Environmental dependency - Most indigenous populations have adapted their lifestyles to their environment, making them vulnerable to any changes.
• Socio-economic barriers - They often experience socio-economic problems such as low incomes and limited access to resources.

Case study: Inuit in the Mackenzie Basin, Canada

Since the 1980s, temperatures in this region have risen by approximately 3.5°C. Wildlife in the Basin is a major source of food, clothing, and income. However, the muskrat population has declined due to the lack of available water, and trapping, once a major economic activity, has disappeared.