Engaging socially vulnerable communities and communicating about climate change–related risks and hazards

This rapid expert consultation highlights how decision-makers can continuously engage with vulnerable communities, as well as communicate risk and promote adaptation in the face of extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change. Implementing this guidance can help decision-makers, researchers, and communities work collaboratively, linking analysis, deliberation, and program design to best adapt to climate change-related hazards and risks.

Extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change can compound existing vulnerabilities and inequities experienced by socially vulnerable people including pregnant people, children, low-income populations, Indigenous populations, immigrant groups, the elderly, people with disabilities, vulnerable occupation groups, communities of colour, and people with preexisting or chronic medical conditions. Decision-makers need to adopt strategies for engaging these communities on an ongoing basis to inform and empower individual decision-making, identify and understand local concerns, and provide the necessary resources.