A regional variation in the vulnerability of socioeconomic systems to climate change. A case study of Poland

Abstract

Purpose – The aim of the study was to identify the differences in the vulnerability of Polish voivod-ships to climate change, which may pose a threat to the sustainable development of particular regions. Research method – To achieve the purpose of the research, for each voivodship, a Synthetic Measure of Socioeconomic Vulnerability to Climate Change (SMSEVCC) was calculated. The SMSEVCC was applied in the linear ordering of objects characterized by several diagnostic variables, which were later replaced by one diagnostic value. Results – The implementation of sustainable development in Poland is strongly determined by cli-mate change and the associated extreme weather phenomena. The risk varies regionally and depends on the natural vulnerability of a given area that results from environmental conditions and the level of socioeconomic development. Originality /value / implications / recommendations –The paper presents a comprehensive analysis, eva-luation of socioeconomic vulnerability of voivodeships in Poland to climate change. Progress in the im-plementation of sustainable development requires strengthening adaptation measures to climate change, which should be adapted to the specifics of individual regions. An important element of actions for sustainable development should be the increased importance of the economic insurance system.