In IB Geography, climate change vulnerability refers to how likely a place is to be affected by climate change and how well it can cope with its impacts. Vulnerability varies greatly between regions due to differences in physical geography, economic development, and adaptive capacity. Understanding these differences is essential for explaining global inequalities and evaluating resilience strategies.
One major factor influencing vulnerability is geographical location. Low-lying coastal areas, small island states, and river deltas are particularly vulnerable to sea level rise, storm surges, and coastal flooding. Regions located in arid or semi-arid climates are more exposed to drought and water scarcity as temperatures rise and rainfall becomes more unpredictable. These physical characteristics increase exposure to climate-related hazards.
Economic development is another key factor. Low-income countries tend to be more vulnerable because they rely heavily on climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, fishing, and forestry. Many people depend on rain-fed farming, making livelihoods highly sensitive to changes in rainfall and temperature. Limited financial resources reduce the ability of governments to invest in protective infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and recovery efforts.
Closely linked to development is adaptive capacity, which refers to a region’s ability to adjust to climate change, reduce damage, and recover after extreme events. High-income countries generally have greater adaptive capacity due to strong institutions, advanced technology, and access to insurance and emergency services. In contrast, low-income countries often lack early warning systems, effective governance, and long-term planning, increasing their vulnerability even to relatively small climate shocks.
Social factors also influence vulnerability. High population growth, rapid urbanisation, and informal settlements increase exposure to climate risks. Many urban poor live in flood-prone areas, unstable hillsides, or coastal zones where land is cheaper but more dangerous. Limited access to healthcare, education, and information further reduces resilience.
In IB Geography, vulnerability is often described as a combination of exposure, sensitivity, and capacity to adapt. Regions that experience frequent hazards, depend heavily on climate-sensitive resources, and lack the means to adapt are the most vulnerable. This explains why climate change often has the greatest impacts on countries that have contributed least to global greenhouse gas emissions.
Overall, regional vulnerability to climate change is shaped by both physical and human factors. Geography determines exposure, while development and governance determine resilience. Recognising these differences is essential for evaluating climate justice and international responses to climate change.
RevisionDojo helps IB Geography students analyse climate vulnerability clearly by linking physical processes with development patterns and exam-style evaluation, supporting confident and well-balanced answers.
