Climate Variability, Climate Change and Social Vulnerability in the Semi-arid Tropics

Climate fluctuations can trigger events that lead to mass migration, hunger and famine. Rather than attributing the blame to nature, the authors look at the underlying causes of social vulnerability, such as social processes and organization. Past and present susceptibility to destitution, hunger, and famine in the face of climate variability can teach us about the potential future consequences of climate change. By understanding why individuals, households, nations and regions are vulnerable, and how they have buffered themselves against climatic and environmental fluctuations, present and future vulnerability can be redressed. Through case studies from around the globe, the authors explore past experiences with climate variability, as well as the likely effects of, and the possible policy responses to, the types of climatic events that global warming might bring. -Editors