Vulnerability profiling of cities: a framework for climate-resilient urban development in India

Working paper series 8:2014

This working paper presents a holistic approach for how a city can customise its rapid vulnerability assessment in order to understand what is required for building climate resilience. The framework can be used to highlight the potential impact of climate change on urban services arising from the geographical setting of a city; the nature, size and density of its settlements; and the existing coping capacity of its society and governance system. The paper argues that the situation is aggravated by growing urban populations, high urban poverty and backlogs in the provision of basic infrastructure and services. The framework proposed in the paper provides a systematic approach to preparing vulnerability profiles in cities, by creating datasets which enable an initial analysis of vulnerability. The framework considers the sensitivity and exposure of the cities. It also highlights the need for integration of climate-resilience considerations in urban planning.