Adapt to Climate Change or Pay the Price : Two Swedish Municipalities’ Approaches to Climate Adaptation in Urban Planning

Abstract: It is evident that climate change threatens considerable parts of the population. With effects such as floodings, heatwaves and water scarcity already visible and expected to increase in severity, adapting society is vital. In Sweden, the county administrative boards are dedicated the role to coordinate climate adaptation work and support, guide, and supervise the municipalities. However, the municipalities are responsible for the physical planning process. They thus play an important role in climate adaptation as it is statutory in the comprehensive plan.The aim of this thesis is to analyse how two Swedish municipalities that have significantly experienced the effects of climate change and are particularly vulnerable to them work with climate adaptation of the built environment as well as in the planning phase of new areas. Based oninterviews with officials and analysis of municipal documents, five important themes emerged. They include current work on climate adaptation, unpreparedness, legislation, co-operation, and the importance of the early stage. Both municipalities work with adaptation measures and integrate it into the planning process, to varying degrees. Unpreparedness is a challenge due to the longterm perspective and uncertainties in climate change. Legislation is often a barrier as it is lagging, making it difficult for municipalities to take necessary measures. It is easier to plan for adaptation measures in the planning phase of new areas than in the existing built environment. It is thus of considerable importance to incorporate climate adaptation in the early stage of the planning process.