Socioeconomic vulnerability and climate risk in coastal Virginia

• DOI: 10.1016/j.crm.2023.100475
• Publication Date: 2023-01-03T17:01:33Z
• Authors: Sadegh Eghdami; Andrew M. Scheld; Garrick Louis
• Keywords: Vulnerability; Equity; Social vulnerability; Climate risk

Coastal Virginia, a region with economic and strategic significance at the state national level, has been experiencing highest sea-level rise (SLR) on Atlantic coast of United States. This accompanied by variety climate hazards such as flooding more frequent storms, initiating adaptation planning decision-making multiple governance levels. A spatial understanding risk its associations socioeconomic vulnerabilities raises essential questions about underlying roots can help local governments prioritize social in their efforts. Using coastal stressor this region, paper conducts analyses that strive to policymakers effectively utilize vulnerability planning. The analysis reveals significant between risk, represented flood measures poverty, access infrastructure, education, housing certain parts Virginia. then discusses how could influence policymaking level. research presents several empirical relationships raise important regarding drivers equity face methodology developed study may be modified assess other communities States possibly countries. Such modification illuminate location-specific vulnerabilities, safety net policies, risks.