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IPCC's current conceptualization of 'vulnerability' needs more clarification for climate change vulnerability
Asif Ishtiaque1, Ronald C Estoque2, Hallie Eakin3
1School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA.
Journal of Environmental Management
|December 10, 2021
Summary
The current climate change vulnerability framework from the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) hinders standalone assessments. Researchers propose refining the definition of vulnerability and exposure to improve climate change impact analysis.
Area of Science:
- Climate Science
- Environmental Science
- Social Science
Background:
- The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) introduced a conceptualization of vulnerability.
- This AR5 conceptualization has faced challenges in its adoption and application for standalone vulnerability assessments.
- Vulnerability researchers have expressed concerns regarding the utility and acceptance of the current framework.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the existing conceptualization of vulnerability from the IPCC AR5.
- To identify reasons for the low adoption of the AR5 vulnerability framework in standalone assessments.
- To propose improvements for conceptualizing vulnerability and exposure in climate change research.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the IPCC AR5 conceptualization of vulnerability.
- Identification of key limitations and challenges in its application.
- Development of a revised conceptual approach for vulnerability and exposure.
Main Results:
- The AR5 conceptualization of vulnerability is not sufficiently facilitative for standalone assessments.
- Three primary reasons for the low adoption of the AR5 framework by researchers were identified.
- A proposal to consider 'exposure' as both a precondition and a secondary driver of vulnerability.
Conclusions:
- The current IPCC AR5 framework requires clarification to better support standalone vulnerability assessments.
- Refining the conceptualization of 'exposure' is crucial for a more comprehensive understanding of climate change impacts.
- Further dialogue with IPCC Working Group II is needed to advance the understanding and application of vulnerability concepts.
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