Geographies of Coastal Risk and Vulnerability: Mapping and Analysis

This chapter explores the multidimensional nature of vulnerability within the broader context of disaster risk and climate change. It begins by situating vulnerability within the foundational concepts of risk, risk perception, and acceptable risk, framing it as a dynamic and systemic condition shaped by social, economic, physical, and institutional factors. The discussion underscores the importance of disaster risk reduction (DRR), highlighting approaches to mainstream resilience within development and global frameworks such as the Sendai Framework. The role of science and technology is emphasised, particularly in advancing vulnerability assessment through early warning systems, hazard mapping, and risk-informed planning. Analytical methods, including participatory tools, geographic information systems (GIS)-based spatial techniques, and composite indices, are explored for their utility in measuring vulnerability and guiding interventions. Practical strategies such as infrastructure resilience, hazard-resistant design, and climate vulnerability mapping are presented as vital elements of risk reduction. The chapter also addresses challenges in decision-making and governance, focusing on institutional coordination, policy coherence, and community participation. Systematic management, strategic planning, and evidence-based policy-making are identified as essential for embedding resilience into long-term development trajectories. Through an integrated synthesis, the chapter argues that vulnerability is not only a matter of exposure to hazards but is also rooted in inequality, marginalisation, and governance deficits. It concludes by outlining future research priorities, advocating for interdisciplinary, inclusive, and adaptive approaches capable of responding to the escalating uncertainties posed by climate change and disaster risks.