Managing water-related vulnerability and resilience of urban communities in the Pearl River Delta

Abstract

Globally, growing concern about disaster risks necessitates the implementation of actions that combine vulnerability reduction and resilience building. This paper applies the concept of vulnerability and resilience to urban communities in the Pearl River Delta along the Southern Chinese coast that are facing climate-related water hazards. The study integrates a reanalysis dataset and model projections with literature results on long-term climate changes, which support a comprehensive risk analysis of both floods and water shortages in the Pearl River Delta within the regional climate change context. A flood vulnerability assessment indicates that pre-existing vulnerabilities are exacerbated after flood impacts. The main factors influencing the vulnerability of coastal communities are related to economics, institutional capacity, and the accessibility of knowledge for local community-based organizations. Many communities have been able to reinforce their resilience through local initiatives, including investing in infrastructures, sharing responsibilities, diversifying engagements, network recoveries, and water security nets for the most vulnerable ones. To ensure that the delta's communities are well adapted to climate and water threats, it is clear that investing in building community resilience and safety nets is important. This paper further highlights that community efforts, government supports, and external assists should be better organized to reinforce the abilities of the people at the local level.