Vulnerability Assessments
Vulnerability, risk or impact assessments are a key component in adaptation planning. It is important to identify how the natural and built environments are vulnerable to or may be affected by projected climate changes. Identifying how ecosystems, species, communities, and infrastructure may be affected by or respond to projected changes is critical for developing effective adaptation strategies.
The following provide guidance to conduct and analyze climate change risk and vulnerability assessments:
A guide developed by the National Wildlife Federation and partners for resources managers to help assess climate change impacts on species and ecosystems and ways to safeguard them. It is designed to assist fish and wildlife managers and conservation and resource professionals to better plan, execute, and interpret climate change vulnerability assessments.
Source: Glick, P., B.A. Stein, and N.A. Edelson, editors. 2011. Scanning the Conservation Horizon: A Guide to Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment. National Wildlife Federation, Washington, D.C.
Developed by the NOAA Coastal Services Center, the Roadmap includes both the Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Tool (RVAT) and the Community Vulnerability Assessment Tool (CVAT), and incorporates relevant hazards and climate data into local planning and decision making processes.
Source: NOAA Coastal Services Center
Presents a rapid and cost-effective method to estimate climate change vulnerability of biodiversity across broad areas using landscape-scale indicators.
Source: Klausmeyer, K. R., Shaw, M. R., MacKenzie, J. B., & Cameron, D. R. 2011. Landscape-scale indicators of biodiversity’s vulnerability to climate change. Ecosphere 2(8), 1-18.