The vulnerability of socially vulnerable groups to extreme weather events associated with climate change. Evidence from Romania

The present study approaches socially vulnerable groups (SVG) from the perspective of territorial differentiations of their vulnerability to possible extreme weather events associated with climate change. By capitalizing on the data sources provided by the National Institute of Statistics, as well as other official sources, variables and statistical indicators that meet criteria were selected, such as: credibility, the possibility of capturing territorial differences, the relevance for the components of vulnerability (exposure, sensitivity, capacity to cope and adapt). The detailed analysis of the spatial characteristics of potential exposure, sensitivity to and adaptability in the face of possible extreme weather events associated with climate change shows the following; (i) climatic exposure highlights an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather phenomena, especially in the southern and eastern regions of the country; (ii) social exposure is high (7 million people in the SVG are potentially exposed and 31 counties have a very high exposure; (iii) most counties in the country (35) display a very high degree of SVG sensitivity; (iv) adaptability through infrastructure and services is reduced, and 1/3 of the country’s counties are deficient in terms of adaptability through policies. The analysis of territorial differentiations of SVG vulnerability degrees in their relations with extreme climatic events associated with climate change has highlighted a multitude of barriers that can be the subject of transdisciplinary studies in order to understand the complexity of the sources of vulnerability, but also to identify specific solutions.