A protocol for vulnerability and exposure assessment in rapid extreme event attribution studies

Abstract. Over the past decade, the number of rapid extreme event attribution studies have increased substantially, both in frequency and speed of completion, often released in just a couple of weeks after an extreme weather event. Rapid analysis of vulnerability and exposure is a key complement to the hazard analysis in these studies in order to ensure a more holistic understanding of the drivers of observed impacts. In this paper, we present a method for rapid vulnerability and exposure assessment developed by the World Weather Attribution group. It focuses on the development and use of hazard-specific vulnerability and exposure assessment templates that are applied during a rapid literature review covering media, grey and academic literature. These templates are applied in conjunction with local expert judgement to elicit both breadth and depth of the assessment of potential drivers.  This protocol supports the systematic integration of vulnerability and exposure into rapid attribution studies, strengthening their ability to inform the public about changing climate risks.