<p><i>Assessment of Vulnerability to Natural Hazards</i> covers the vulnerability of human and environmental systems to climate change and eight natural hazards: earthquakes, floods, landslides, avalanches, forest fires, drought, coastal erosion and heat waves. This book is an important contribution to the field because of its ability to clarify the meanings of terms and investigate the nature of vulnerability to hazards in general and in various specific European contexts. In addition, this book provides a framework to improve understanding of vulnerability and a comprehensive set of methodologies for the investigation of situations in which people and their environments are vulnerable to hazards. With case studies taken from across Europe, the underlying theoretical frame is transferrable to other geographical contexts, making the content relevant worldwide. </p><ul><li>Provides a framework of theory and methodology designed to help researchers and practitioners understand the phenomenon of vulnerability to natural hazards and disasters and to climate change</li><li>Contains case studies that illustrate how to apply the methodology in different ways to diverse hazards in varied settings (rural, urban, coastal, mountain, etc.)</li><li>Includes methodology that demonstrates how to validate the results of applying the methodologies in different situations and how to respond to the needs of diverse groups of stakeholders represented by the public and private sectors and by civil society, as well as researchers and academics</li></ul>