ABSTRACT
Indicators and indices encapsulate a complex reality and summarize complex and often disparate technical information and data in a way that is easy to understand and apply by non-experts for climate hazard mitigation and climate adaptation decisions. This chapter begins with defining indicators and indices as context for understanding such applications. Numerous index-building initiatives in the United States and in other countries, as well as global indicator initiatives, have been given prominence in recent years. Despite the growing utility and applicability of indicators and indices, there are a variety of methodological challenges and limitations that are discussed in the final section of the chapter.
