Climate Change Vulnerability Index: A Case Study of District Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan

Junaid, Novaira; Hafeez, Mohsin; Aeman, Hafsa

Climate Change Vulnerability Index: A Case Study of District Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan

Autores

Junaid, Novaira

Hafeez, Mohsin

Aeman, Hafsa

Editor

International Water Management Institute

Descripción

The report on Climate Change Vulnerability Index (CCVI): A Case Study of District Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan presents an innovative and evidence-based framework for assessing climate vulnerability at the sub-national level in one of the world's most climate-vulnerable regions, Pakistan. Developed by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), the research integrates indicators related to sensitivity, exposure, and adaptive capacity into a multidimensional Climate Change Vulnerability Index capable of identifying vulnerability hotspots and informing targeted resilience interventions. The assessment demonstrates how climate change is increasingly reshaping food, water, land, health, and migration systems thereby creating complex development challenges that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. Through a detailed analysis of district Rahim Yar Khan, in the Southern part of Punjab, Pakistan, the report reveals significant spatial and temporal variations in climate vulnerability driven by exposure to floods, heatwaves, water insecurity, socio-economic sensitivities, and differing levels of adaptive capacity. The findings further highlight the compounded risks faced by women, children, the elderly, and climate-displaced communities. Beyond its local application, CCVI offers a scalable and replicable methodology for governments, development partners, humanitarian agencies, and researchers seeking to strengthen anticipatory action and climate adaptation planning. By transforming complex climate and socio-economic data into actionable intelligence, the framework supports evidence-based decision-making and contributes to global efforts aimed at building inclusive and climate-resilient communities in an era of increasing climate uncertainty.