Household Livelihood Vulnerability to Climate Change in West China

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Climate Change Adaptation
• Socio-economic Vulnerability Assessment

Background:

• Climate change poses significant risks to natural resource-dependent communities in ecologically vulnerable regions of western China.
• Assessing household livelihood vulnerability is crucial for developing effective adaptation strategies.
• Regional disparities in vulnerability and adaptive capacity require localized approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the household livelihood vulnerability index under the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (HLVI-IPCC) in western China.
• To identify the key factors influencing households' adaptive capability to climate change impacts.
• To provide data-driven insights for local authorities to formulate climate-resilient development strategies.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Household Livelihood Vulnerability Index under the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (HLVI-IPCC).
• Collected data from 823 households across Ningxia, Gansu, Guangxi, and Yunnan provinces.
• Employed a composite HLVI-IPCC and multiple regression model to analyze adaptive capability.

Main Results:

• Ningxia emerged as the most vulnerable community, while Guangxi was the least vulnerable.
• Gansu exhibited the highest sensitivity and exposure to climate change impacts.
• Household head's age and distance to town center negatively impacted adaptive capacity.

Conclusions:

• The HLVI-IPCC assessment is an effective tool for identifying regional climate change vulnerabilities.
• Targeted strategies are needed to enhance adaptive capacity in vulnerable communities.
• Promoting climate-resilient development requires understanding socio-economic factors influencing adaptation.