Climate Crisis, Social Crisis: Measuring Inequality in Climate Impact Across Eastern Indonesia

Abstract

The climate crisis is not only an environmental issue but also a profound social challenge, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. In Indonesia—an archipelagic nation highly vulnerable to climate change—this disparity is especially pronounced in the eastern regions, which face both ecological fragility and systemic underdevelopment. This research investigates the intersection of climate vulnerability and social inequality across Eastern Indonesia, employing a multidimensional framework to measure differential climate impacts among provinces such as Nusa Tenggara Timur, Maluku, and Papua. Drawing on climate exposure data, socio-economic indicators, and adaptive capacity metrics, we develop a Climate Inequality Index (CII) tailored to the Indonesian context. The findings reveal that regions with lower income levels, limited infrastructure, and weaker governance structures suffer significantly greater climate burdens, despite contributing minimally to global emissions. The study’s key contribution lies in its empirical quantification of inequality in climate impact at a sub-national level, offering a nuanced lens for assessing vulnerability beyond mere geographic exposure. By linking climate stressors to entrenched socio-political disparities, the research highlights how the climate crisis exacerbates existing social crises. Moreover, the Climate Inequality Index developed here provides a replicable model for policymakers and researchers aiming to target interventions more equitably. The results underscore the urgent need for climate justice frameworks in national adaptation strategies, particularly for peripheral regions often excluded from policy discourse. This research advances the conversation on climate equity in Southeast Asia and offers practical insights for integrating social justice into environmental governance.