Governing Risk Society - Explaining Variation in Local Adaptation to Climate Change

Abstract

There is now a broad international acceptance for the need to adapt to a changing climate, which is reflected in national policies in most European countries. However, adaptation to climate change and extreme weather needs to take place largely at the local level, reflecting the “place-based” character of adaptation. Lately, we see the interest on local adaptation strategies and polices has proliferated, especially in cities experiencing challenges of flooding and surface-water due to increased heavy precipitation. In many countries, wesee a decentralization of adaptation, giving municipalities the formal responsibility for adaptation. Thus, increased risks of natural hazards have to be dealt with by local politicians, in their decision-making and in local planning. The papers in the panel present different empirical experiences with local adaptation to climate change, illuminating challenges and strengths with decentralized adaptation. They also explain variation in local adaptation policies, due to size, exposure, finances and cultural factors.