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/J f 1Ni i 1 a- rz can be selected to span variability in life history traits, conservation status, or other testable hypoth- eses that might inform future assessments. The vulnerability assessment process generally follows the series of steps outlined below (Turner et al. 2003, Schroter et al. 2005, Fuentes et al. 2010, Glick and Stein 2010): 1. Define the study areas together with stake- holders — Identify spatial and temporal scales appropriate to management objectives with stakeholders and recognize that the scale of the assessment needs to match the scale of decision - making. Consider how a conservation target (species or system) may respond differently at other scales. Select an assessment approach based on targets, user needs, and available resources. 2. Gather data and identify the climatic process- es that can affect the species or ecosystems of interest — Review the literature, contact experts, and spend time with stakeholders to identify the main climate change impacts that affect the species or conservation targets of interest. Hypothesize how these impacts will affect the target. For example, in assessing the vulnerabil- ity of sea turtles to climate change, knowledge of nesting habitat requirements, physiological tolerances, and mechanisms of sex determina- tion would allow the identification of important climate change factors affecting reproductive success. In this case, increased sand temperatures may alter hatchling sex ratios and survival, while sea level rise and increased storm severity may cause loss and /or alteration of nesting beaches and egg mortality. 3. Select climate scenarios and data — Given the uncertainty in the levels of future greenhouse gas emissions and resulting climate changes it is generally a good idea to use more than one climate change scenario to assess vulnerability. For example, practitioners may use projected climate changes based on a high future emissions scenario and a more moderate future emissions scenario with a lower degree of resulting climate changes. Scenarios should be selected and discussed with all stakeholders in order to assure transparency. The assumptions underlying any projection used in the vulnerability assessment should be outlined explicitly and communicated with stakeholders. 4. Develop a "causal model' of vulnerability — Stakeholders should work together to develop a simple model or flow chart that depicts the factors affecting the sensitivity and exposure of a target to climate change and how these factors contribute to vulnerability. These factors should include both climate change factors and ongo- ing stressors that affect a species vulnerability to climate change. 5. Operationalize the vulnerability model — Esti- mate overall vulnerability of the target based on the factors identified in the causal model and the climate change scenarios. Document levels of confidence or uncertainty in assessments. 6. Use the vulnerability assessment to design adaptation strategies, prioritize response options, and identify areas of further research — Vulnerability assessments pinpoint the factors affecting the vulnerability of a conservation target to climate change and help identify intervention