Unequal Climate Vulnerability: Socioeconomic and Racial Disparities in Climate Risks in the Greater Paramaribo Region, Suriname

Abstract

Climate-related hazards, such as extreme heat, flooding, and sea-level rise (SLR), impact socioeconomic and racialized groups differently due to variations in exposure and vulnerability. This study examines these disparities in the Greater Paramaribo Region of Suriname. Employing a GIS-based framework that integrates hazard, exposure, and vulnerability indicators, we identify spatial risk patterns among diverse socioeconomic and racialized groups. Results show that Middle-to-low income and Maroon populations are most at risk across all hazards. These groups experience elevated heat exposure due to dense population, limited green space, and scarce cooling infrastructure. Their heightened flood risk is associated with poor housing quality, high urban run-off, and inadequate flood protection, while SLR risk is pronounced in low-lying zones with insufficient drainage and adaptive capacity. Impoverished populations, although less exposed to urban heat due to their peripheral, more vegetated locations, remain vulnerable to flooding and SLR because of limited financial resources. Wealthier populations, despite having a higher adaptive capacity, face moderate exposure to hazards in dense urban or coastal settings. Additionally, localized vulnerabilities are evident among White groups, who face risks from urban heat islands and flood-prone infrastructure in specific locations. These findings underscore the role of socioeconomic segregation and historical inequities in shaping climate vulnerability. Mitigating these disparities requires investments in climate-resilient infrastructure, inclusive urban planning, and targeted adaptive measures to decrease vulnerability among at-risk populations in the Greater Paramaribo Region. This study offers crucial insights for policymakers seeking equitable climate adaptation strategies.