Community-level climate change vulnerability research: trends, progress, and future directions

Abstract

This study systematically identifies, characterizes, and critically evaluates community-level climate change vulnerability assessments published over the last 25 years ( n = 274). We find that while the field has advanced considerably in terms of conceptual framing and methodological approaches, key shortcomings remain in how vulnerability is being studied at the community-level. We argue that vulnerability research needs to more critically engage with the following: methods for evaluating future vulnerability, the relevance of vulnerability research for decision-making, interdependencies between social and ecological systems, attention to researcher / subject power dynamics, critical interpretation of key terms, and consideration of the potentially positive opportunities presented by a changing climate. Addressing these research needs is necessary for generating knowledge that supports climate-affected communities in navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Keywords

• climate change
• vulnerability
• systematic review
• community