earticle

영어

Climate change directly influences air pollutant concentrations, making fine particulate matter (PM) a major environmental hazard. Regional-level analysis alone is insufficient, necessitating a micro-scale PM vulnerability assessment integrating climatic, atmospheric, and social factors. This study developed an integrated framework to assess PM vulnerability at the administrative district level in Chuncheon City. Vulnerability was defined by the IPCC framework, comprising exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. Indicators were selected based on previous research, and the final vulnerability index was calculated using expert-recommended weights (Exposure: 0.4, Sensitivity: 0.3, Adaptive Capacity: 0.3). The assessment results for 25 administrative districts showed substantial variation. Toegye-Dong and Namsan-Myeon emerged as the most vulnerable districts, driven by factors such as high exposure and critically limited adaptive capacity, respectively. Conversely, Hyoja-1-Dong and Hyoja-3-Dong were the least vulnerable. A comparative review with the Ministry of Environment’s VESTAP model revealed substantial discrepancies, demonstrating that uniform, nationally applied indicators often fail to reflect local characteristics. The findings confirm that atmospheric stagnation and demographic conditions are major determinants of PM vulnerability in Chuncheon City. Consequently, the city requires climate-responsive air quality management strategies and an integrated health-environment management system, with regular updates to administrative district-level vulnerability assessments.