Hotspots of Present and Future Risk Within Deltas: Hazards, Exposure and Vulnerability

Abstract

Through the Anthropocene, growing populations and economic assets have intensified risk. Within deltas, the concurrence of high human populations and economic assets with climatic events, physical and biophysical processes, and natural hazards generate ‘hotspots’ of societal risk. Identification of these hotspots requires combining hazards, exposure, and vulnerability data and information on a spatial basis. However, changing human activities over both time and space affect the nature and location of these hotspots. Analysis of the distribution and change in risk components identifies vulnerable areas and communities and where changes in hotspots may occur in the future. This can inform other analysis, such as the design of surveys and data collection, as well as identify policy needs and indicate where adaptation actions are likely to be required.