INEQUALITY IN THE CLIMATE CRISIS: PUBLIC HEALTH VULNERABILITY IN WEST ACEH

Abstract

Abstract: Climate change is recognized as both an environmental and social process, exacerbating structural inequalities and creating new public health vulnerabilities. This study examines how climate-related ecological risks intersect with social vulnerabilities in rural and coastal West Aceh. Using a qualitative case study in Samatiga, Johan Pahlawan, and Woyla sub-districts, data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and secondary analysis of health and disaster reports. Results show that climate-induced disasters—flooding, extreme rainfall, and rising temperatures—are linked to increased communicable diseases (e.g., diarrhea, dengue, malaria) and non-communicable diseases (e.g., respiratory illness, psychosocial stress). Vulnerabilities are heightened by poverty, inadequate sanitation, low climate literacy, and fragmented institutional responsibilities. The findings highlight the need for community-based risk management, climate-resilient sanitation, culturally grounded climate education, and cross-sectoral collaboration rooted in social and ecological justice.   Keywords: climate change; social vulnerability; public health; structural inequality; community-based adaptation