Understanding Social Vulnerability for more Effective Climate Strategies© 2025 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank1818 H Street NWWashington DC 20433Telephone: 202-473-1000Internet: www.worldbank.orgThis work is a product of the staff of The World Bank with external contributions. The findings, interpretations, andconclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of The World Bank, its Board of Executive Directors, orthe governments they represent.The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the data included in this work and does notassume responsibility for any errors, omissions, or discrepancies in the information, or liability with respect to the use of orfailure to use the information, methods, processes, or conclusions set forth. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and otherinformation shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legalstatus of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries.Nothing herein shall constitute or be construed or considered to be a limitation upon or waiver of the privileges andimmunities of The World Bank, all of which are specifically reserved.Rights and PermissionsThe material in this work is subject to copyright. Because The World Bank encourages dissemination of its knowledge, thiswork may be reproduced, in whole or in part, for noncommercial purposes as long as full attribution to this work is given.Any queries on rights and licenses, including subsidiary rights, should be addressed to World Bank Publications, The WorldBank, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA; fax: 202-522-2625; e-mail: pubrights@worldbank.org.Cover photo:© Jeffengeloutdoors.com / Getty Images. Used with the permission of Jeffengeloutdoors.com / Getty Images.Further permission required for reuse.Cover design:Alybek IsmailovSuggested Citation:Canpolat, E., de Berry, J., Davis, M., and Brown, R. 2025. “Understanding Social Vulnerability for more Effective ClimateStrategies: Lessons from CCDRs in Southern Africa and Eastern Africa.” Washington, DC: World Bank. UnderstandingSocial Vulnerability for moreEffective Climate StrategiesLessons from CCDRs in Southern and Eastern Africa Understanding Social Vulnerability for more Effective Climate StrategiesTable of ContentsAcknowledgements............................................................................................................................................................................................................................vExecutive Summary.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................vii1. Introduction.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................2. Climate Hazards, Poverty, and Social Exclusion............................................................................................................................................................... 42.1 Climate hazards in a geographically diverse region........................................................................................................................................... 62.2 From exposure to climate hazards, to vulnerability..........................................................................................................................................82.3 Implications for policy and operational responses...........................................................................................................................................143. The Many Layers of Social Vulnerability............................................................................................................................................................................183.1 The rural poor...................................................................................................................................................................................................................193.2 The urban poor................................................................................................................................................................................................................213.3 Race, ethnicity, and indigeneity..............................................................................................................................................................................223.4 Gender, sexuality, and age.........................................................................................................................................................................................2