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dc.contributor.authorO'Brien, Karennb_NO
dc.contributor.authorEriksen, Siri E Hnb_NO
dc.contributor.authorSchjolden, Anenb_NO
dc.contributor.authorNygaard, Lynn P.nb_NO
dc.date.accessioned2014-03-17T14:31:23Z
dc.date.available2014-03-17T14:31:23Z
dc.date.issued2004nb_NO
dc.identifier.issn0504-452Xnb_NO
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/11250/192322
dc.description.abstractIn this paper, we discuss two competing interpretations of vulnerability in the climate change literature and consider the implications for both research and policy. The first interpretation, which can be referred to as the “end point” approach, views vulnerability as a residual of climate change impacts minus adaptation. The second interpretation, which takes vulnerability as a “starting point,” views vulnerability as a general characteristic generated by multiple factors and processes. Viewing vulnerability as an end point considers that adaptations and adaptive capacity determine vulnerability, whereas viewing vulnerability as a starting point holds that vulnerability determines adaptive capacity. The practical consequences of these two interpretations are illustrated through the examples of Norway and Mozambique. We show that, if the underlying causes and contexts of vulnerability are not taken into account, there is a danger of underestimating the magnitude (large), scope (social and environmental) and urgency (high) of climate change.nb_NO
dc.language.isoengnb_NO
dc.publisherCICERO Center for International Climate and Environmental Research - Oslonb_NO
dc.relation.ispartofCICERO Working Papernb_NO
dc.relation.ispartofseriesCICERO Working Paper;2004:04nb_NO
dc.titleWhat's in a word? Conflicting interpretations of vulnerability in climate change researchnb_NO
dc.typeWorking papernb_NO
dc.source.pagenumber16nb_NO


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