Advances in the Standards & Applied Sciences

Advances in the Standards & Applied Sciences

From ISO 14091 to a New Standard for Social-Ecological Vulnerability Assessment: Bridging Gaps in Climate Adaptation

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Metrology Research Group, Quality Assessment and Management Systems Research Center, Standard Research Institute, Karaj 31585-163, Iran.
Abstract
The escalating threats of climate change, including rising sea levels and intensified extreme weather events, demand immediate and comprehensive adaptation strategies. Social-ecological systems (SES), characterized by their intricate interdependencies between human societies and natural ecosystems, are particularly vulnerable to these changes. Current frameworks, such as ISO 14091, provide valuable tools for assessing climate-related risks but fall short in capturing the dynamic feedback loops, integrated vulnerabilities, and cross-sectoral interconnections of SES. This paper identifies critical gaps in ISO 14091, including its sectoral focus and limited systems-based perspective, and proposes a roadmap for developing an international standard tailored to SES vulnerabilities. The framework emphasizes interdisciplinarity, inclusivity, and adaptability, integrating tools like impact chains, participatory approaches, and scenario modeling to enable holistic, context-specific, and globally relevant assessments. By addressing these gaps, the proposed standard aims to enhance resilience, reduce cascading risks, and empower diverse stakeholders to implement sustainable climate adaptation strategies for SES worldwide.
Keywords
Subjects

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