Risk & Vulnerability (DP IB Geography) : Revision Note

Jacque Cartwright

Written by: Jacque Cartwright

Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett

Updated on

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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Jacque Cartwright

Author: Jacque Cartwright

Expertise: Geography Content Creator

Jacque graduated from the Open University with a BSc in Environmental Science and Geography before doing her PGCE with the University of St David’s, Swansea. Teaching is her passion and has taught across a wide range of specifications – GCSE/IGCSE and IB but particularly loves teaching the A-level Geography. For the past 5 years Jacque has been teaching online for international schools, and she knows what is needed to get the top scores on those pesky geography exams.

Bridgette Barrett

Reviewer: Bridgette Barrett

Expertise: Geography Lead

After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 25 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.

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