Measuring regions' vulnerability and adaptation to climate change in China: An application of hybrid assessment approach

Abstract

A timely and systematic assessment can provide valuable insights for decision‐making aimed at reducing vulnerability and enhancing adaptive capacity. This study assesses the vulnerability and adaptation of China's provinces to climate change by employing a combination of the criteria importance intercriteria correlation method and Grey relational analysis. We establish a comprehensive three‐level index system for evaluation, allowing us to prioritize various factors. Our findings reveal significant disparities in the levels of adaptation and vulnerability to climate change across various regions, Generally, regions with well‐developed economies exhibit greater resilience to the impacts of climate change. the ecological system emerges as a key determinant influencing provincial vulnerability to climate change. Moreover, our study underscores the pivotal role of energy system transition in facilitating adaptation to climate change. The findings suggest policy recommendations in areas of ecosystem protection, energy intensity, roadmap, and funding allocation.