Community-level climate change vulnerability research: trends, progress, and future directions

This study systematically identifies, characterizes, and critically evaluates community-level climate change vulnerability assessments published over the last 25 years (n=274).Wefind that while the field has advanced considerably in terms of conceptual framing andmethodological approaches, key shortcomings remain in how vulnerability is being studied at the community-level.We argue that vulnerability research needs tomore critically engage with the following:methods for evaluating future vulnerability, the relevance of vulnerability research for decision-making, interdependencies between social and ecological systems, attention to researcher / subject power dynamics, critical interpretation of key terms, and consideration of the potentially positive opportunities presented by a changing climate. Addressing these research needs is necessary for generating knowledge that supports climate-affected communities in navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead.