Capacity to plan for climate change adaptation in the municipality of Svalöv

Abstract: The changing climate caused by anthropogenic factors has an increasing effect on natural and human systems. There is therefore an increasing need for society to adapt to the effects of climate change (IPCC, 2012; Rescalvo et al., 2013) This is vital since the effects of climate change are already being noticed in many parts of the world (Rescalvo et al., 2013). However, municipalities in Sweden generally lack tools for climate change adaptation. This is a case study focusing on the municipality of Svalöv (Sweden). Svalöv is (like many other municipalities in Sweden) faced with risks associated with climate extreme and climate variability (SOU, 2007a; Wamsler 2011; Lundberg, 2013). In fact, the municipality has already been affected by extreme events such as storms and flooding (Svalövs kommun, 2014a). The study focuses on the capacity for the municipality of Svalöv to plan for climate change, and thereby analyses adaptation measures that have been taken in the municipality, as well as the usefulness of existing adaptation tools. The study counts with data from literature reviews as well as conducted interviews. The results show that measures have been taken in the municipality in both the pre-phases and the post-phases of extreme weather events. The conducted analysis also showed the gaps that exist in the municipality along with unused capacities for climate change adaptation. It can be stated that the measures taken (along with the gaps and unused capacities) can be further enhanced by the use of existing adaptation tools (i.e. Climate Adaptation Tool, Climatools and citizen dialogues). By using these tools, both institutional and individual adaptation capacities can be taken into account when planning for adaptation strategies in the municipality.