The Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI), also referred to as Climate Change Vulnerability Index (CCVI), is a tool that identifies places that are susceptible to

flood A flood is an overflow of water (list of non-water floods, or rarely other fluids) that submerges land that is usually dry. In the sense of "flowing water", the word may also be applied to the inflow of the tide. Floods are of significant con ...

s and heat-related effects of

climate change Present-day climate change includes both global warming—the ongoing increase in Global surface temperature, global average temperature—and its wider effects on Earth's climate system. Climate variability and change, Climate change in ...

by combining built, social, and ecological elements. It is also described as a systematic tool to rapidly assess climate change risk. The Climate Vulnerability Index has been used to extensively analysis the impacts of climate change on World Heritage Properties. These mapping methods can be used to examine vulnerability at both a regional and local level to understand the relevant elements. The CVI draws on over 180 datasets to provide detailed, census-tract-level assessments, aggregating information across domains like health, infrastructure, environment, and social and economic status. People,

infrastructure Infrastructure is the set of facilities and systems that serve a country, city, or other area, and encompasses the services and facilities necessary for its economy, households and firms to function. Infrastructure is composed of public and pri ...

, and/or ecological resources are more likely to suffer harm in areas that are more sensitive to climate change as

temperature Temperature is a physical quantity that quantitatively expresses the attribute of hotness or coldness. Temperature is measurement, measured with a thermometer. It reflects the average kinetic energy of the vibrating and colliding atoms making ...

s rise, floods get worse, and high

wind Wind is the natural movement of atmosphere of Earth, air or other gases relative to a planetary surface, planet's surface. Winds occur on a range of scales, from thunderstorm flows lasting tens of minutes, to local breezes generated by heatin ...

s get stronger. Climate vulnerability includes a number of aspects such as physical exposure, sensitivity to injury, and a lack of coping and adaptability skills. Understanding vulnerability enables us to make choices about the distribution of resources, the formulation of policies, and the prioritizing, siting, and design of projects. In the US, the CVI was used to comprehensively screen counties throughout the nation, providing policymakers and communities with cumulative data on the multi-dimensional susceptibilities of communities to climate-related risks.{{Cite web , date=2023-10-02 , title=‘Climate Vulnerability Index’ Shows Where Action, Resources Are Needed To Address Climate Change Threats , url=https://stories.tamu.edu/news/2023/10/02/climate-vulnerability-index-shows-where-action-resources-are-needed-to-address-climate-change-threats/ , access-date=2025-05-09 , website=stories.tamu.edu , language=en-US According to the CVI, as of 2023, these are the most vulnerable U.S. counties: # John the Baptist, Louisiana # Iberville, Louisiana # Knox, Kentucky # Landry, Louisiana # Dillon, South Carolina # Tangipahoa, Louisiana # Acadia, Louisiana # Floyd, Kentucky # Jefferson, Texas # Whitley, Kentucky

References

Effects of climate change Index numbers