Fig. 3. The vulnerability of a species or ecosystemis based on its exposure to climate change, its sensitivity, and its inherent capacity to adapt to change. The relative balance of these different components of vulnerability would lead to different management interventions. The x axis represents the degree of exposure to climate change faced by species and communities (exogenous factors). This axis is largely determined by the species’ or population’s geographical location, the rate and magnitude of climate change anticipated for that region, and the size, cohesiveness, and connectivity of the species’ habitat within and beyond that region. The other two measures from the vulnerability framework, adaptive capacity and sensitivity (see Box 1), are plotted together on the y axis. This axis is primarily determined by biological
characteristics of species that influence their mobility, specificity, and sensitivity (endogenous factors). These include, for example, physiological constraints, phenotypic plasticity, evolutionary potential, dispersal and growth capacity, and biotic interactions critical to persistence. The relative position of species and ecosystems along the axes can inform decisions on appropriate research, monitoring, and management strategies. Decisions are also likely to be affected by costs and assessments of benefits (e.g., an ecosystems service value or lower cost might shift strategies implemented toward the top right). Circled text denotes generic conservation responses. Specific conservation responses that will be appropriate under the different circumstances are discussed in the text. Species in the upper left corner have high sensitivity to climate
change but are expected to face relatively minor challenges. Such species are not a priority for intervention unless there is a change in climate-change pressures or landscape permeability. Their potential vulnerability means that they need to be monitored to ensure that they are thriving and remain unthreatened, with contingency plans that can be deployed in a timely manner in case of change. Species with high exposure but low sensitivity and high adaptive capacity (lower right corner) can presumably cope with change, and therefore need only low-intensity intervention as change becomes more extreme. Species in the upper right corner will have relatively high levels of both exposure and sensitivity; with decreasing adaptability, more intensive and specific management will be required.