Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Section 6.4 then links the vulnerability and adaptation concepts to
climate change. It first of all shows that both these concepts supply
one another: indeed being able to adapt helps in reducing
vulnerability, which in turn favors the ability to adapt. These are
therefore dynamic concepts. The section then goes into the detail of
the concept of adaptation and identifies three main dimensions
(process, state and strategy).
Finally, the last section (section 6.5) departs from the theoretical
framework to enter a more practical one. It discusses the principle of
flexibility as the fundamental characteristic of a society which enables
it to go beyond the barriers imposed by uncertainty around the local
impacts of climate change. Two key-pillars are put forward:
anticipation and resilience.
6.2. Around the concept of vulnerability
The relationships between the concepts of risk, vulnerability,
hazard and territory are complex enough to deserve our attention.
Although hazards related to climate change will hold a priviledged
position here, other phenomena unrelated to marine-meteorological
conditions (e.g. earthquakes) will be cited occasionally so as to
explore the different dimensions of risk and vulnerability.
The first researchers who became interested in risk were natural
scientists, as could be expected due to the nature of the hazards
themselves (volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, cyclones, etc.). Then
progressively, other scientists opened up to the human aspects of
disasters. The cumulation of analyses introduced the idea that there is
a difference in terminology between risk and disaster, as the first term
refers to the probability for the occurrence of a hazard, whereas the
second refers to its actual consequences on the system [BLA 94,
DAU 01, VEY 07]. This led to the widening of horizons around risk
factors [BEC 01, CAR 04], which sets the necessary foundations to
the notion of vulnerability. The latter was first defined as the simple
level of exposure to risk, then it progressively increased in reputation
to finally become a scientific concept in itself [ADG 06, BAN 04].
Search WWH ::




Custom Search