Meaning: 'Scourge' means a person or thing that causes great trouble or suffering, particularly in the context of climate change, it refers to the detrimental effects that force people to migrate.

Wrong options:

• converge: Converge means to come together from different directions, which does not fit the context of suffering caused by climate change.
• surcharge: Surcharge refers to an additional charge or payment, which is unrelated to the context of climate migration and does not convey harm or suffering.
• splurge: Splurge means to spend money freely or extravagantly, which is not relevant to the context of climate change and migration.

Correct answer: susceptible

Explanation: The word 'susceptible' is appropriate here as it indicates vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, fitting both grammatically and contextually. It describes the population's likelihood of being affected by climate-related issues.

Meaning: 'Susceptible' means likely to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing, in this case, the impacts of climate change.

Wrong options:

• intelligible: Intelligible means understandable, which does not relate to the context of vulnerability to climate impacts.
• convertible: Convertible refers to something that can be changed into a different form, which is not relevant to the context of susceptibility to climate change.
• capable: Capable means having the ability to do something, which does not convey the idea of being vulnerable or at risk.

Correct answer: ruled

Explanation: The word 'ruled' fits grammatically and contextually as it means to eliminate or dismiss options after consideration, which aligns with the process of evaluating adaptation measures before relocation can occur.

Meaning: 'Ruled out' means to eliminate or decide against something, indicating that certain adaptation measures will not be pursued.

Wrong options:

• worn: Worn means to have been used or damaged, which does not fit the context of evaluating options for relocation.
• pointed: Pointed means to direct attention to something, which does not convey the idea of eliminating options.
• worked: Worked means to have functioned or operated, which does not fit the context of dismissing alternatives.