Page 78 - Demo

We are not all the same!
78
differences among fisher folk in the community. The vulnerability index was used as a tool to examine profiles of individuals that fall within different vulnerability groups. Regression models were used to identify the strongest predictors of vulnerability. It is argued that even amongst groups labelled as highly vulnerable, at an aggregate level, a nuanced approach to vulnerability analysis should be used to achieve a more targeted approach to resilience building and, by extension, achieving climate justice. Research methodology
A survey of 241 fishers from Old Harbour Bay, the largest fishing village in Jamaica, was conducted to examine the level of vulnerability of different fishers to climate change. Fishers were chosen because of the global and regional significance of the fishing industry as a source of protein, economic value through local trade and exports, and as a source of livelihood for several individuals. Researchers have also noted that fisheries are one of the areas most exposed to, and affected by the effects of climate change (Biswas et al., 2009; McIlgrom et al., 2010). For example, changing sea surface temperatures can have negative effects on composition of fish species and migratory patterns (Brander, 2007; Genner et al., 2010; Perry et al., 2005; Sims et al., 2004) and may compromise the health of coral reef ecosystems (Cinner et al., 2013). In this way a chain of vulnerability may be created as fishing livelihoods are threatened by the impositions of a changing climate on their source of livelihood. These effects on fisheries can be viewed through the lens of climate injustice, given the disproportionate burden that is borne by fishers and their minimal contribution to the climate change problem.
The survey data was used to construct a vulnerability index to examine comparative vulnerabilities based on biophysical, social, economic and material conditions. These constitute the macro-components of the study and comprised several micro-components. As each micro-component was measured on a different scale, standardisation was done to allow for the combination of micro-components.
Research findings
Overall, for the sample, 46.9% of respondents would be considered as experiencing a comparatively high level of vulnerability to climate change. Climate change vulnerability was influenced by a number of socio-demographic variables with unique profiles emerging for groups that can be ranked as low, moderate, and high vulnerability. It was found that comparative vulnerabilities based on economic and social factors, specifically social capital, must be taken into consideration for successful adaptation to be achieved. The study confirms that those with the characteristics of increased marginalisation will tend to be the most vulnerable. It also postulates that a targeted approach should be taken to address this comparative vulnerability within the fishing industry. Specifically, there may be justification in focusing on those persons with a high vulnerability profile for implementing climate change adaptation efforts. Such groups include women, persons who serve in peripheral roles (scalers and vendors), and those with part-time employment.
Significance of the research
The paper represents a departure from homogeneous classifications of potentially marginalised groups and asserts that, in the context of limited financial capital to mitigate the impacts of climate change, specific targeting of affected sub-groups may be necessary for more effective resource allocation and aid intervention. This index provides a tool which may be used to identify the most vulnerable amongst already marginalised groups. The number and classification of parameters were carefully selected to offset the challenges of cross-contextual comparability. Accordingly, it may be applied to other fishing communities in Jamaica, the Caribbean and even within a global context. With some modification, the scope may also be extended beyond fishing communities to include other traditional livelihoods. Overall, this research will assist in building resilience of these communities that must now adjust to a new normal with the climate change effects currently occurring.
97
Recognising Outstanding Researchers 2016