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Development of a Statewide Climate Change Vulnerability Index for Heat and Flood: A Comprehensive Assessment of Connecticut for Resiliency Planning

Author

Listed:
  • Yaprak Onat

    (Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA), University of Connecticut, Groton, CT 06340, USA)

  • Nicole Govert

    (Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA), University of Connecticut, Groton, CT 06340, USA)

  • Mary Buchanan

    (Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA), University of Connecticut, Groton, CT 06340, USA)

  • David Murphy

    (Resilient Land And Water, Hartford, CT 06119, USA)

  • Meghan McGaffin

    (SLR International Corporation, New Haven, CT 06510, USA)

  • Conner Dickes

    (SLR International Corporation, New Haven, CT 06510, USA)

  • Libbie Duskin

    (Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA), University of Connecticut, Groton, CT 06340, USA)

  • Victoria Vetre

    (Resilient Land And Water, Hartford, CT 06119, USA)

  • John Truscinski

    (Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA), University of Connecticut, Groton, CT 06340, USA)

  • James O’Donnell

    (Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA), University of Connecticut, Groton, CT 06340, USA
    Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, CT 06340, USA)

Abstract

The vulnerability framework developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) defines vulnerability as a function of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. Building off this framework, the Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) developed a Climate Change Vulnerability Index (CCVI) for the state of Connecticut, designed to integrate flood and extreme heat-related climate exposure with impacted socioeconomic, infrastructure, and ecological variables into a single comprehensive index that can guide resilience planning and prioritization at multiple levels. The index serves as a central component of the Resilient Connecticut project, a statewide initiative to advance climate adaptation and resilience planning through data-driven tools, community engagement, and strategies to address flood and heat risks across vulnerable communities. In this article, we detail the development of the CCVI, including earlier iterations, methodology, stakeholder engagement activities, and lessons learned that can impact resiliency planning in Connecticut. Preliminary statistical analyses, notable regional trends, data limitations, and future areas for research advancement are also discussed. The CCVI framework detailed here can be used in the process of identifying priority areas for intervention and supporting the selection and design of targeted resilience projects, and can also be adapted for other states.

Suggested Citation

  • Yaprak Onat & Nicole Govert & Mary Buchanan & David Murphy & Meghan McGaffin & Conner Dickes & Libbie Duskin & Victoria Vetre & John Truscinski & James O’Donnell, 2025. "Development of a Statewide Climate Change Vulnerability Index for Heat and Flood: A Comprehensive Assessment of Connecticut for Resiliency Planning," Geographies, MDPI, vol. 5(3), pages 1-29, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jgeogr:v:5:y:2025:i:3:p:28-:d:1686856
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