1. Introduction

It is widely accepted that the climate is changing, with implications for human systems already documented (Fussel 2009; Smith et al. 2009; Stott et al. 2010). Climate models indicate continued and accelerated climate change in the future (Solomon et al. 2007). Research is only beginning to examine the potential implications of climate change for human systems and indicates significant vulnerabilities (Hulme 2008). Society will not be static as the climate changes, however, undergoing social, cultural, economic, and political changes that will affect how human systems experience climate change and determine adaptive capacity to respond. Some of these developments will moderate vulnerability: poverty, for instance, is a major determinant of climate vulnerability the world-over, and decreasing poverty rates with economic development offers considerable opportunity to reduce sensitivity to climatic risks and enhance adaptability. Aging populations, population growth in high-risk locations (e.g., coastal zones), increasing inequality, and weakening of social networks are trends that are likely to exacerbate vulnerability.