Vulnerability to heatwaves and drought: case studies of adaptation to climate change in south-west England
This report explores what it means to be vulnerable to climate change. It considers how early examples of climate change adaptation may impact or protect vulnerable groups in society. It suggests that the social nature of vulnerability to climate change should lie at the heart of planned responses to climate change. The findings highlight the need for a more systematic consideration of current and future vulnerabilities in local, sectoral and national adaptation planning.
The report: (i) introduces the concept of vulnerability to climate change within the context of social justice; (ii) examines two early case studies of adaptation in the south-west of England: the implementation of the national Heatwave Plan; and the trend towards differential water pricing based on usage (including the trial of a rising block tariff for water); and (iii) highlights the need for a more systematic consideration of current and future vulnerabilities in local, sectoral and national adaptation planning.
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