klimaatgevoelig

Klimaatgevoelig refers to the susceptibility of a system, such as an ecosystem, economy, or human community, to the impacts of climate change. It describes how much a particular element is likely to be affected by shifts in temperature, precipitation patterns, sea levels, and extreme weather events. A system that is highly klimaatgevoelig will experience significant changes or damage even with relatively small alterations in climate conditions. Conversely, a system with low klimaatgevoeligheid is more resilient and can better withstand or adapt to climate variations.

The concept of klimaatgevoeligheid is crucial for understanding vulnerability and for developing adaptation strategies. For example, coastal communities are generally considered klimaatgevoelig due to the risk of sea-level rise and increased storm surges. Agricultural systems can also be highly klimaatgevoelig, as crop yields are directly influenced by temperature, rainfall, and the frequency of droughts or floods. Assessing the klimaatgevoeligheid of different sectors and regions helps prioritize where adaptation measures are most urgently needed and how resources can be best allocated to mitigate potential negative consequences of a changing climate.