Unveiling urban households’ livelihood vulnerability to climate change: An intersectional analysis of Hue City, Vietnam

Abstract

This study applies the Livelihood Vulnerability Index within the IPCC vulnerability framework (LVI-IPCC) to assess the vulnerability of households to climate change in Hue City, Vietnam. The research then seeks to identify critical factors contributing to household vulnerability to climate change via a regression model, while concurrently conducting an intersectional analysis that considers gender, geographical location, and economic status. Using a cross-sectional data collection methodology, we surveyed 1080 households across 36 communes/wards in Hue City from October to December 2022 employing a semi-structured questionnaire. Our findings indicate that households situated on the periphery, particularly those recently incorporated, are at a higher risk of vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters. Poor households in peri-urban areas are the most susceptible to the impacts of environmental stressors. Furthermore, women are less adaptable than men, partly due to their limited decision-making power. Factors such as household head characteristics, degree of climate risk, food security, knowledge and skills, and social networks are identified as critical in contributing to vulnerability. Reconizing these, our study emphasizes the urgent need for integrated approaches to address multiple dimensions of vulnerability and climate change adaptation in Hue City and beyond. This includes investing in peri-urban areas, addressing poverty and inequality, promoting gender-sensitive approaches, and addressing the critical factors simultaneously to enhance the resilience of cities to climate change and natural disasters.

Keywords

• Gender equality
• Sustainable development
• Urban climate vulnerability
• Vietnam
• Weather events