Table 1. Examples of biological and socioeconomic vulnerabilities with climate-relevant health implications for each vulnerable group/community16
Vulnerable group or community Biological, physiological and health-related vulnerability Socioeconomic and demographic vulnerability
Women Female reproductive and maternal health issues, including during pregnancy, postpartum and menopause. Unequal access to resources. Societal propensity of traditionally female social or economic roles, for example caregiving.
Children and youth Developing biological systems, including the immune system. Greater sensitivity to heat or respiratory illnesses. Higher risk living conditions for children from families with low socioeconomic status. Lack of agency in making decisions.
Older people Weakened immunity, reduced body-heat regulation, medication use and higher risk of illness due to ageing. Co-morbidities. Limited financial or social resources. Higher likelihood of living alone.
Workers Pre-existing (occupational) illness. Increased exposure to extreme weather (especially outdoor workers) and chemicals or toxins. Greater exposure to health risks due to physically demanding work or unsafe working conditions.
Displaced persons Higher rates of disease proliferation. Mental health issues from trauma. Limited access to key enablers of health, such as housing, food, sanitation and health care.
People living with disabilities Pre-existing physical or mental morbidities and higher risk of poor health outcomes. Mobility challenges. Dependence on others. Limited agency and access to key enablers of health, such as housing, health care and employment.
Indigenous peoples Generational trauma. Higher genetic predisposition to certain diseases in some Indigenous populations. Reliance on natural ecosystems for sustenance, culture and way of life.
Ethnic minorities Higher prevalence of certain diseases in different ethnic groups. Systemic discrimination. Higher risk living conditions, for example close to industrial sites or highly polluted traffic corridors.
Rural and remote communities Proximity to agricultural or industrial operations which use harmful chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides or solvents. Higher risk of zoonoses. Limited access to infrastructure, clean water and difficulties accessing health care.
People with low socioeconomic status Higher prevalence of pre-existing health conditions and risk of infectious and noncommunicable diseases due to poor living conditions. Limited ability to afford adaptation and resilience measures and access care. Greater exposure to climate-related risks such as fast-changing weather conditions.
People with pre-existing conditions Greater susceptibility to morbidity and mortality from climate-related events. Possible challenges with mobility and other disabilities caused by the pre-existing illness.