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Reducing risks from climate change requires strengthening protections and increasing the resilience and resources of communities and people to prepare, respond, recover, and adjust to climate-related impacts. Yet, some communities face compounding vulnerabilities and experience disproportionate impacts, particularly low-income and rural communities, communities of color, and tribal nations.
Climate vulnerability describes the degree to which natural, built, and human systems are at risk of exposure to climate change impacts. The most climate vulnerable communities experience heightened risk and increased sensitivity to climate change and have less capacity and fewer resources to cope with, adapt to, or recover from climate impacts. These disproportionate risks are caused by physical (built and environmental), social, political, and/ or economic factor(s), which are exacerbated by climate impacts. These factors include, but are not limited to income inequality, racism, and discrimination based on national origin, gender, and sexual orientation and identification.
A resilient California can help all communities weather and adjust to climate change, and can help all communities thrive. A climate resilient “California for All” requires focused support for those communities most vulnerable to climate threats and experiencing compounding inequities. Therefore, one of California’s climate adaptation priorities is to strengthen climate resilience in communities most vulnerable to the climate crisis.