ABSTRACT
Certain groups of the population are more susceptible to climate-sensitive health impacts owing to their greater vulnerability. Factors such as age, gender, socio-economic status and other health conditions that influence the sensitivity and adaptive capacity of the individuals determine their vulnerability. Children, persons with disabilities, the elderly population and people working outdoors, such as agricultural labourers and construction workers (facing high exposure) are more vulnerable to the impacts of extreme heat events due to climate change. Poverty also enhances vulnerability due to the unavailability of effective preventive and corrective measures in time. An in-depth understanding of vulnerability is vital when designing optimal intervention strategies for a given population or setting. Researchers have been working towards developing frameworks, indices and identifying indicators to assess and measure vulnerability. Geospatial technologies are being increasingly being used in the field of public health, including quantifying and visualising the factors that contribute to climate-related health risks. Such vulnerability mapping exercises can help in identifying and locating resources for at-risk populations and preparing for health emergencies and in disaster risk management. It also allows public health departments to target vulnerable communities and prepare in advance for the response, recovery and mitigation.
