White paper: A Social Vulnerability Perspective on Climate Change Adaptation in Miami-Dade

The purpose of this white paper is to provide an overview of the ways in which South Florida communities are vulnerable to climate change, and to suggest strategies for adaptation that increase resilience of vulnerable communities. This paper is grounded in a human security perspective of vulnerability, in contrast to other perspectives that focus on the natural or built environment. I argue that focusing on the human dimensions of vulnerability can accomplish climate change adaptation and mitigation goals while providing co-benefits that improve opportunity and quality of life in the present, resulting in greater resilience than strategies that do not take social vulnerability into account. The paper provides locally specific information that will help to guide research, curriculum development, and community engagement activities around climate change impacts and resilience.

Download the pdf of the white paper here.