NEWS
Research helps urban poor adapt to changing climate
The urban poor in Vietnam need support from authorities, community organisations and the community itself to better adapt to the impacts of a changing climate, RMIT research has found.
The research by RMIT University Vietnam’s Dr Tran Kim Hong suggested that livelihood capitals of the urban poor – which are human, financial, physical and social needs – could be used to develop their resilience and adaptive capacity.
The study focused on two districts in Ho City Minh City affected by flooding: Binh Thanh and District 8.
It included about 50 interviews with local residents and 15 with local authorities.
Tran said there was a gap in research on the social impact of climate change in the city.
“There’s a focus on infrastructure development in response to address challenges such as flooding,” she said.
“But there’s still work to be done in looking at the social impacts.”
Tran examined the pressures facing these vulnerable communities and the supporting mechanisms that are needed to help them cope with these external risks, such as increased flooding.
“The community coping strategies were studied to identify the right approach to enable people to be more resilient and less vulnerable,” she said.
“Community-based support as well as a review of policy can help to strengthen livelihood and minimise the impacts of climate change and major weather events.”