Global exposure to climate change at a subnational jurisdiction level

Abstract

In the context of climate change, there is a need to identify the most vulnerable "hotspots" to the various risks that should attract the most attention from analysts and decision-makers. In this paper, we focus on territories’ exposure to the main consequences of climate change, considering both intensity and the level of physical exposure to main climate change hazards. We propose a composite indicator that can be computed globally but at the sub-national level, covering 47,138 administrative units in the World (all land but Antarctica). It should be helpful as a first step to assess risks for countries characterized by high geoclimatic diversity but also transboundary risks. It would help identify the most vulnerable subnational administrative units and serve as one tool for adaptation planning.