Understanding vulnerable populations

The term “vulnerable population” refers to a group of individuals who are at a higher risk of experiencing adverse health, social, or economic outcomes compared to the general population. The characteristics of a vulnerable population can vary depending on the specific group in question and the context in which they are being examined. However, some common characteristics often associated with vulnerable populations include the following (Chippewa Valley, n.d.):

• Socioeconomic disadvantage: Poor or low-income people have limited access to essential resources like food, housing, education, and healthcare.
• Geographic location: Residents in remote or underserved areas may experience higher vulnerability due to limited access to resources, emergency services, and disaster relief.
• Health issues: Higher rates of chronic illnesses, infectious diseases, or mental health issues are prevalent, often due to limited access to healthcare, unhealthy living conditions, or other social determinants of health.
• Age-related vulnerability or dependency: Both the very young (e.g., infants, children) and the elderly are often considered vulnerable due to their specific healthcare needs, reliance on caregivers, and potential cognitive or physical limitations. Relying on others for their care and well-being may make them susceptible to exploitation or neglect.
• Disasters and emergencies: Vulnerable populations are often disproportionately affected during natural disasters, public health emergencies, or humanitarian crises, as they may lack the resources and support needed to cope with such situations.
• Homeless people: People experiencing homelessness often lack stable living conditions, leading to increased health risks and reduced access to healthcare and other essential services.

Regarding climate change, the vulnerable include low-income persons, indigenous peoples, children and pregnant women, older adults, vulnerable occupational groups, persons with disabilities, and persons with pre-existing or chronic medical conditions. These people experience disproportionate, multiple, and complex risks to their health and well-being in response to climate change. For example, people living in impoverished urban or isolated rural areas, floodplains, coastlines, and other at-risk locations are more vulnerable not only to extreme weather and persistent climate change but also to social and economic stressors (Gamble, 2016).

Recognising and understanding the vulnerabilities of these populations is crucial for policy makers and social service providers to implement targeted interventions and support systems to address specific needs, especially various climate change stressors.