Climate change adaptation and sea level rise : A comparative analysis of municipal climate change adaptation progress in southern Sweden

Abstract: Global mean sea levels are expected to have increased with 0,43-0,84 meters by the year 2100, due to the effects of climate change. An observed increase in the speed of which sea levels are rising is further cause for concern for inhabitants of coastal communities, as threats of flooding, erosion and saltwater intrusion rapidly become more imminent, prompting protective adaptation measures to be considered. The southernmost parts of Sweden are particularly exposed as the effects of post-glacial rebound are negligible or non-existent, meaning that adaptation measures in municipalities in this region are a more immediate concern than in other parts of the country. Municipalities in Sweden have a large responsibility and role in the planning processes for local adaptation measures. Recent research however indicates notable discrepancies in terms of both approach and progress of municipal adaptation work. This study uses content analysis of municipal planning and guiding documents to research and evaluate relative adaptation approaches by categorising and comparing relevant indicators of progress. The scope of the study is limited to the 33 coastal municipalities that experience 1mm/year or less post-glacial uplift. The findings indicate that municipal attention to sea level rise has increased notably in planning documents during the past ten years. Furthermore, the content analysis shows that the variation in planning documents used by municipalities in terms of purpose and approach vary greatly. Lastly, a comparison of the municipalities show that while there are notable differences in approach and progress, municipalities with established adaptation plans are similarly structured in terms of ambition and level of detail, and could be considered frontrunners in sea level rise adaptation work.