Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment in Cameroon

<jats:p>Located in Central Africa, Cameroon is often referred to as “Africa in miniature” due to its rich natural and human diversity. The country spans an area of 475,442 km2 and has a population of approximately 30 million people. Cameroon is ranked the 16th most vulnerable country in the world to climate impacts, and according to the INFORM 2025–2026 index, the country has a risk score of 6.6/10, placing it in the “High” category while ND GAIN Index rank the country 145 over 191. Climate change could lead to a loss of 4% to 10% of GDP by 2050 if no adaptation measures are taken. Vulnerability to climate change poses a significant concern, evidenced by a notable increase in epidemics, heat waves, landslides, and particularly floods. Climate scenarios, driven by continuously rising greenhouse gas emissions, forecast a temperature increase of 3.9 C and a rise in rainfall ranging from 5.8 to 10.4 mm by the year 2100. Traditionally, four key determinants are used to evaluate the impact of climate change: exposure, sensitivity, potential impact, and adaptive capacity. In this study, the methodological approach employs GIS and is based on two primary groups of vulnerability indicators: exposure and sensitivity indicators (six indicators) and adaptive capacity indicators (also six indicators). Also, an AHP (multicriteria decision tool) model was developed through the weighed linear combination process using ArcGIS and super-decision software. The findings indicate that 61% of Cameroon’s territory is vulnerable to climate change, while 81% of the population is developing adequate capacity to adapt.</jats:p>