Abstract:
The world is likely to experience an increase in the onsets of extreme temperature events with a significant increase in their magnitude, length, and intensity as a discernible consequence of climate change. The unprecedented rise in temperature will reach far beyond the habitable level particularly in South Asia by the end of this century. The increase in frequency and intensity of heat waves has already been predicted, making the occurrence of heat spells higher for urbanites than the rural residents. In doing so, if the temperature continues to rise, heat waves could become the most fatal kind of disaster. The situation is far worst in unplanned developments where the infrastructure is minimal and failing. Urban poor populations with relatively high population density and low socioeconomic conditions are fairly more vulnerable and not well adapted to climate and weather extremes. This study investigated the prevailing vulnerability in one formal and informal settlements located in Lahore Metropolitan City. The questionnaire field survey was conducted in these two settlements comprising of questions related to household characteristics and indicators of exposure, capacity, and sensitivity. 400 households were randomly selected and interviewed. It was found that vulnerability was comparatively higher in an informal settlement with very low capacity and high exposure values whereas the sensitivity dimension of vulnerability was the same for both settlements. It was concluded that the high capacity dimension of vulnerability played a significant role in reducing the vulnerability in the formal settlement.
