Title: Vulnerability to climate change and residents' adaptations in coastal areas of Soc Trang Province, Vietnam

Authors: Makoto Tamura; Kazuya Yasuhara; Kiyotake Ajima; Van Cong Trinh; Song Van Pham

Addresses: Institute for Global Change Adaptation Science, Ibaraki University, 2-1-1, Bunkyo, Mito, Ibaraki, 310-8512, Japan ' Institute for Global Change Adaptation Science, Ibaraki University, 2-1-1, Bunkyo, Mito, Ibaraki, 310-8512, Japan ' Institute for Global Change Adaptation Science, Ibaraki University, 2-1-1, Bunkyo, Mito, Ibaraki, 310-8512, Japan ' Mekong Water Technology Innovation Institute, 72 Tran Van Danh, 13 Ward, Tan Binh Dist, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam ' Vietnamese-German University, Le Lai Street, Hoa Phu Ward, Thu Dau Mot City, Binh Duong Province, Vietnam

Abstract: Many climate-sensitive areas and communities are insufficiently prepared for climate change induced natural disasters due to a mismatch of perceptions and the risks and economic limitations associated with these disasters. The Mekong Delta of Vietnam, which is home to a growing population that currently stands at 17.2 million people, has been experiencing more frequent and severe flooding, especially in Soc Trang Province. Historical and present-day images obtained using an uncrewed aerial vehicle and satellites showed rapid erosion of coastal areas and damage to infrastructure for flood control. A perception survey on more than a thousand residents conducted in 2014 showed that the adaptations pursued at the community level were limited by economic factors and education level. Finally, multiple strategies harmonised with local ecosystems and livelihoods were proposed to protect the area against climate change induced events.

Keywords: adaptations; climate induced events; erosion; Mekong Delta; natural disasters; perceptions; Soc Trang Province; vulnerability; Vietnam.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGW.2018.094312

International Journal of Global Warming, 2018 Vol.16 No.1, pp.102 - 117

Received: 24 Apr 2017
Accepted: 04 Nov 2017
Published online: 29 Aug 2018 *

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