Making space for social inclusion in conceptualising climate change vulnerability

Abstract

(150 words)Impacts from climate change pose a raft of challenges for societies, governments and policy makers internationally. The anticipated changes are well documented, including rising sea levels, increased floods and other extreme weather conditions. Much research and policy emphasis has focused on technical and economic aspects. Less debated are questions about different communities' vulnerabilities, inequitable distributional impacts, social justice issues and how vulnerability links to social inclusion/exclusion. This paper explores a case study which maps social exclusion and vulnerability in Brisbane, Queensland, and found that while communities can be vulnerable through physical aspects of an area, when social dimensions are added to the equation it amplifies or exacerbates the scale of vulnerability. The findings also suggest that in developing research agendas and policy debates around climate change there could be benefits from interlinking the currently separate areas of work on social vulnerability to extreme weather events, to forms and processes of social inclusion/exclusion.

Re-thinking climate change adaptation and capacities at the household scale

“…The same households that have been assumed to lack environmental knowledge and sustainable capacities (the 'poor', the 'old' and ethnic minorities) have also been identified as particularly vulnerable to climate change (Sevoyan et al 2013;Arthurson and Baum 2013). …”

Unpacking the spaces and politics of energy poverty: path-dependencies, deprivation and fuel switching in post-communist Hungary

“…For example, there have been efforts to connect the understanding of fuel poverty with dynamics of procedure, recognition or distribution (see Walker and Day 2012) or the built forms and consumption practices that underpin inadequately heated homes. Questions of vulnerability, equity and justice have also entered the discussion, by highlighting the manner in which fuel poverty is "constructed through diverse pathways, and is a dynamic phenomenon, not easily reduced to a single metric" (Hall et al 2013, p. 415; also see Arthurson and Baum 2013).…”

The need to reinterpret “community” for climate change adaptation: a case study of Pele Island, Vanuatu

“…Social dynamics, power relations and elite capture within "community" are key issues that need to be considered. Current adaptation research highlights the significant relationships between social context and the vulnerability and adaptive capacity of individuals and communities (Adger, 2003;Arthurson & Baum, 2015;Pelling & High, 2005;Smit & Wandel, 2006). Without tackling these issues, projects may not be successful, people's adaptive capacity may be further eroded due to declining social cohesiveness and social networks, and access to resources may be constrained (Cannon, 2008;Christens & Speer, 2006;Dutta, 2009;Ensor & Berger, 2009;Westoby, 2010a).…”

“…This is imperative in the context of climate change adaptation, as these are critical issues that impact on vulnerability, adaptive capacity and resilience (Cannon, 2008;Ensor & Berger, 2009). Social exclusion has shown to exacerbate the scale of vulnerability associated with physical aspects of place, with concerning consequences for individuals and groups in places such as Pele Island (Arthurson & Baum, 2015). Without tackling these social issues, governance structures and power relations, we may be further eroding the adaptive capacity of people by damaging the social cohesiveness and social networks that are critical for responding to the challenges of climate change (Cannon, 2008;Ensor & Berger, 2009;Pelling & High, 2005).…”

“…Current adaptation research highlights the importance of social context, and particularly social dynamics within "community", in influencing vulnerability and adaptive capacity (Adger, 2003;Arthurson & Baum, 2015;Cannon, 2008;Pelling & High, 2005;Schipper, 2007;Smit & Wandel, 2006). A recent study of communities within Australia has shown that social factors, especially those related to inequality and exclusion, significantly exacerbate vulnerabilities associated with physical aspects of place (Arthurson & Baum, 2015). Furthermore, collective action, local networks and relations of trust and reciprocity (often referred to in the context of social capital) are key determinants of adaptive capacity (Adger, 2003;Pelling & High, 2005;Smit & Wandel, 2006).…”