Mapping the vulnerable: A framework for analyzing urban social vulnerability and its societal impact

Abstract

Widespread high exposure and vulnerability, coupled with inadequate adaptive capacity, underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions and policies to enhance urban resilience. This research communication presents a robust framework for assessing urban social vulnerability (USoV) and associated risk assessment criteria, and underscores its policy implications. Our framework integrates exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity dimensions to construct the USoVI. Applied to 146 urban centers in West Bengal, utilizing diverse indicators and advanced GIS mapping, the framework reveals elevated vulnerability levels and socio-economic disparities. Better understanding of vulnerabilities and guidance in addressing them is imperative so that effective and context-specific interventions to enhance urban resilience and alleviate vulnerability can be developed. The framework presented herein is a tool for evidence-based decision-making, empowering policymakers to craft tailored strategies that address the distinct challenges – the exposure and associated sensitivity factors - faced by diverse urban populations. By providing insights into the spatial manifestation of vulnerability and its far-reaching societal implications, we aim to contribute to the creation of inclusive, secure, and sustainable urban development. This method enhances our comprehension of vulnerability, providing urban planners with essential knowledge to tackle the intricate aspects of social vulnerability in dynamic urban settings.