this first step section is needed to obtain a quantitative and objective index of vulnerability which could be used to monitor the actions recommended by the ipoa revealing the overall characteristics of the ldcs in terms of vulnerability to climate change as well as their heterogeneity in this respect and consequently in the required adaptation policies constitutes the first step of this chapter we highlight the highest vulnerability of ldcs to climate change compared with other developing countries and we analyse the heterogeneity of their vulnerability profiles progress has been achieved in this regard under the united nations framework convention on climate change unfccc through the adoption of decisions at the sixteenth conference of the parties to the convention in cancun mexico in