_^2.2.1. Aspects of Climatic Risk and Vulnerability

Three aspects—exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity—define the overall vulnerability of a system or population to climate change.

Exposure
Exposure describes the degree to which a system is physically positioned in relation to climate-related hazards. It involves the presence of people, infrastructure, livelihoods, and ecosystems in areas susceptible to climatic events like floods, droughts, or extreme temperatures. For example, coastal communities are more exposed to sea-level rise, while agricultural areas may face risks from shifting rainfall patterns or more frequent droughts. Assessing exposure helps identify which areas or sectors are most at risk from climate change.

Sensitivity
Sensitivity measures how strongly a system is affected by climate hazards, based on its intrinsic characteristics. It reflects how easily climate impacts can disrupt a system or population. For instance, certain crops may be highly sensitive to changes in temperature or water scarcity, making agricultural productivity especially vulnerable in some regions. Similarly, populations with poor health or weak infrastructure tend to be more affected by extreme weather events. Sensitivity thus influences the severity of climate impacts on exposed systems.

Adaptive Capacity
Adaptive capacity refers to the ability of a system, community, or sector to adjust to climate-related risks, reduce potential damage, and recover from impacts. A high adaptive capacity means that a population or ecosystem can better manage climate stressors. This capacity is shaped by factors like financial resources, technology, education, strong institutions, and social safety nets. For example, wealthier communities with advanced infrastructure are generally better prepared to cope with climate change, whereas poorer or marginalized communities may struggle due to limited resources and weaker governance.

Therefore, addressing vulnerability requires reducing exposure where possible, enhancing resilience to climate impacts, and strengthening the adaptive capacity of communities and ecosystems.