Abstract
The Western Upper Peninsula (WUP) of Michigan is one of the places in the world currently experiencing the impacts of climate change. This study uses a systematic content analysis of secondary data sources, such as scholarly publications, official reports, and climate projections, to investigate the WUP’s vulnerability to climate impacts. The paper evaluates several sectors, including ecosystems, public health, and infrastructure, to identify critical risk areas and investigate how these vulnerabilities relate to social and economic issues. The findings reveal the variety of climate threats that the WUP faces, especially regarding public health, energy systems, and resilient infrastructure. The socioeconomic vulnerabilities of the area, such as an aging population and a dependence on extractive industries, further exacerbate the problems brought on by climate change. The study recommends that regional adaptation strategies incorporate renewable energy transitions, sustainable development practices, and active community engagement to address these vulnerabilities.
Presenters
Mercedes AsamaniDoctoral Researcher, Social Science, Michigan Technological University, Michigan, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Assessing Impacts in Diverse Ecosystems
KEYWORDS
CLIMATE VULNERABILITIES, ECOSYSTEM IMPACTS, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
