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Module We can reduce these impacts and minimize their consequences by mitigating emissions of GHGs and
also by adapting to unavoidable consequences. There is no single solution. Adaptation should not only
be seen as a reaction to the changing climate but rather as an opportunity to improve human and
ecosystem well-being and build resilience. Implementing environmentally sound adaptation options
should lead to measurably reduced vulnerability, improved resilience to future changes and higher

potential for well-being.

9-12 December, 2013 3.1 Defining vulnerability
3
Characteristics of Vulnerability and Scope of the Assessment

People and communities are experiencing a number of threats, such as climate change and environmental
degradation, social and economic changes. These changes do not occur in isolation and often reflect
changes in the global markets that may amplify or dampen the importance of the environmental
challenges. Vulnerability refers to the potential of a system to be harmed by an external stress (for
instance a threat). It is defined as a function of exposure, sensitivity to impacts and the ability or lack
of ability to cope or adapt. The exposure can be to hazards such as drought, conflict or extreme
price fluctuations, and also underlying socio-economic, institutional and environmental conditions. The
severity of the impacts not only depend on the exposure, but also on the sensitivity of the specific unit

exposed (such as an ecosystem, a watershed, an island, a household, a village, a city or a country) and on
the capacity to cope or adapt. The concept of vulnerability is an important extension of traditional risk
analysis, which focused primarily on natural hazards (Turner et al., 2003; Schneider, et al., 2007; J?ger and
Kok, 2008; Leichenko and O’Brien, 2002). This concept has also undergone a shift from research-based
activities to a stakeholder-driven approach that can be anchored in the past and present (vulnerability
assessments) and provide responses bearing in mind potential future scenarios (impact assessments;
see Box 4).

BOX 2 Overview of the development of vulnerability assessments

Vulnerability assessments focused on climate change impacts and adaptation are the product
of three streams of research. The first two traditions, impact assessments and risk/hazards
research, generally focus on the multiple effects of a single stress. Impact assessments would,
for example, examine if building a hydropower station could impact local communities,
habitat and biodiversity. Risk and hazard assessment could include potential emergency

16 Volume Two - Themes
Vulnerability and Impact assessments for Adaption to Climate Change (VIA Module)