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.