ecological vulnerability

Ecological vulnerability refers to the susceptibility of natural systems—such as forests, rivers, and wildlife—to damage or change caused by environmental pressures or human activities. It reflects how easily an ecosystem can be disrupted, lose its health, or fail to recover from disturbances like pollution, deforestation, or climate change. A highly vulnerable ecosystem is less resilient and more at risk of serious degradation, which can affect biodiversity and the benefits humans rely on, like clean air, water, and resources. Understanding vulnerability helps in protecting ecosystems and ensuring their sustainability for the future.