Climate Vulnerability Index

The Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI), also referred to as Climate Change Vulnerability Index (CCVI), is a tool that identifies places that are susceptible to floods and heat-related effects of climate change by combining built, social, and ecological elements.{{Cite web |date=2021-02-01 |title=Climate Change Vulnerability Index {{!}} Resilient Connecticut |url=https://resilientconnecticut.uconn.edu/ccvi/ |access-date=2023-06-15 |language=en-US}}{{Cite journal |last1=Pandey |first1=Rajiv |last2=Jha |first2=ShashidharKumar |date=2012-06-01 |title=Climate vulnerability index - measure of climate change vulnerability to communities: a case of rural Lower Himalaya, India |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/s11027-011-9338-2 |journal=Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change |language=en |volume=17 |issue=5 |pages=487–506 |doi=10.1007/s11027-011-9338-2 |bibcode=2012MASGC..17..487P |issn=1573-1596|url-access=subscription }} It is also described as a systematic tool to rapidly assess climate change risk.{{Cite web |title=Home |url=https://www.jcu.edu.au/cvi-heritage |access-date=2023-06-15 |website=Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI) |language=en}} The Climate Vulnerability Index has been used to extensively analysis the impacts of climate change on World Heritage Properties.

These mapping methods can be used to examine vulnerability at both a regional and local level to understand the relevant elements.

The CVI draws on over 180 datasets to provide detailed, census-tract-level assessments, aggregating information across domains like health, infrastructure, environment, and social and economic status.{{cite web |url=https://climatevulnerabilityindex.org/tutorials/step1/ |title=Tutorials & Use Cases Step 1: What is the U.S. Climate Vulnerability Index and why does it matter? |website=The U.S. Climate Vulnerability Index |publisher=Environmental Defense Fund |access-date=May 8, 2025}} People, infrastructure, and/or ecological resources are more likely to suffer harm in areas that are more sensitive to climate change as temperatures rise, floods get worse, and high winds get stronger.{{Cite journal |last1=Balica |first1=S. F. |last2=Wright |first2=N. G. |last3=van der Meulen |first3=F. |date=2012-10-01 |title=A flood vulnerability index for coastal cities and its use in assessing climate change impacts |journal=Natural Hazards |language=en |volume=64 |issue=1 |pages=73–105 |doi=10.1007/s11069-012-0234-1 |issn=1573-0840|doi-access=free |bibcode=2012NatHa..64...73B }}

Climate vulnerability includes a number of aspects such as physical exposure, sensitivity to injury, and a lack of coping and adaptability skills.{{Cite journal |last1=Sullivan |first1=C. |last2=Meigh |first2=J. |date=2005-03-01 |title=Targeting attention on local vulnerabilities using an integrated index approach: the example of the climate vulnerability index |url=https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2005.0111 |journal=Water Science and Technology |volume=51 |issue=5 |pages=69–78 |doi=10.2166/wst.2005.0111 |pmid=15918360 |bibcode=2005WSTec..51Q..69S |issn=0273-1223|url-access=subscription }} Understanding vulnerability enables us to make choices about the distribution of resources, the formulation of policies, and the prioritizing, siting, and design of projects.

In the US, the CVI was used to comprehensively screen counties throughout the nation, providing policymakers and communities with cumulative data on the multi-dimensional susceptibilities of communities to climate-related risks.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-02 |title=‘Climate Vulnerability Index’ Shows Where Action, Resources Are Needed To Address Climate Change Threats |url=https://stories.tamu.edu/news/2023/10/02/climate-vulnerability-index-shows-where-action-resources-are-needed-to-address-climate-change-threats/ |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=stories.tamu.edu |language=en-US}} According to the CVI, as of 2023, these are the most vulnerable U.S. counties:

1. John the Baptist, Louisiana
2. Iberville, Louisiana
3. Knox, Kentucky
4. Landry, Louisiana
5. Dillon, South Carolina
6. Tangipahoa, Louisiana
7. Acadia, Louisiana
8. Floyd, Kentucky
9. Jefferson, Texas
10. Whitley, Kentucky