Risk & Vulnerability (DP IB Geography)

Revision Note

Exposure & Vulnerability

  • The effects of climate change will vary due to location, wealth, age, gender, and education 

  • Vulnerability will depend on people's level of exposure, potential harm, and mitigation strategies

  • Some groups are more vulnerable, such as:

    • Mothers and babies

    • Infants and toddlers

    • School-age and older children

    • The elderly

    • People with disabilities

    • The poor

    • Members of minority groups, refugees, and Indigenous people

  • Other at-risk groups include:

    • Caregivers are caring for at-risk people

    • Single-parent households

    • Establishments like hospitals, schools, transport services, agriculture, tourism and businesses

  • Low-lying islands and coastal areas are particularly at risk

  • Risks include:

    • Damaged coral reefs

    • Increased coastal erosion

    • Outward migration

    • Saltwater infiltration 

  • Indigenous populations are vulnerable because:

    • They usually live, and have already adapted to, fragile areas

    • Have restricted resource access and low incomes

    • Any change to their environment places them at greater risk

  • Climate change will also affect middle- and upper-income people

  • This can happen either directly or indirectly, through:

    • Increased food prices

    • Increases in food scarcity

    • Increased insurance premiums

    • Reduced water availability but increased costs, etc.

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