Communication on social aspects

Understanding of the structure of vulnerability and its role in risk according to the natural science paradigm has been improved through a combination of approaches.  Terms crucial to understanding vulnerability, and risk, in the natural sciences were identified and explicitly defined.  Using these, a functional conceptual model of risk was developed to give appropriate context for the discussion of risk. 

In creation of the model, new terminology was developed - vulnerability components, vulnerability factors, and metaphysical realm - that should assist understanding of both vulnerability and risk. Using the relationship between vulnerability factors, vulnerability components, and local context, a conceptual model for vulnerability and coping capacity was developed. 

This vulnerability model aids not only in understanding the structure of vulnerability, but also in the identification and organization of factor (and indicators of these) influencing vulnerability.  Given the determination of appropriate weight, the vulnerability model has the potential to facilitate semi-quantitative vulnerability analysis.

Figure 1 The proposed model for vulnerability conceptualization within risk assessment context