Towards Climate Adaptation as the New Normal

Abstract

There is growing recognition for the need to prepare for climate change. Sea level rise and greater variability in temperature and precipitation are expected to create increasing challenges for urban areas. Climate adaptation requires action in the face of uncertainty. To enhance the adaptive capacity of a network to cope with climate change is a continuous challenge. Various frameworks with enabling elements have been published. However, there is a lack of empirical understanding of how the governance capacity of climate adaptation can be strengthened. This research presents an analysis and evaluation of the governance capacity for regional climate adaptation. The research has been done in two regions in the Netherlands: Platform Water Vallei en Eem (PWVE) and Samenwerkingsverband Watersamenwerking As50+ (As50).

The following research question guided this study: “What are relevant elements for enhancing the governance capacity of regional climate adaptation and to what extent do governance practices in two regions in the Netherlands contribute to the development of these elements?” To answer this research question, this study started with a literature review. The Water Governance Capacity Framework by Koop et al. (2017) was complemented with literature on climate adaptation. This framework turned out to be a relevant and comprehensible tool for policymakers. The empirical analysis was based on a content analysis of policy documents and on interviews with policy officers from the ministry, provinces, municipalities and water authorities. In addition, two workshops with policy officials were used to validate preliminary results.

This study concludes that some progress towards climate-proof and water-robust cities has been made. Most of the time, there is sufficient information on local vulnerabilities. Some first adaptation visions are written and measures are implemented. But for climate adaptation to be successful, involvement of more policy domains and more private actors is required. The integration of climate adaptation in ongoing activities and existing governmental programs is critical for the long-term process. Respondents note that current developments are stuck in traditional sector-based approaches. The engagement of local stakeholders and citizens is also important. Currently, climate adaptation is dominated by public actors. Private actors must also take some responsibility to act on climate change. This study offers recommendations on how the governance capacity of climate adaptation can be enhanced. One of the recommendations is the formulation of a communication strategy that brings climate adaptation close to the experiences of citizens and stakeholders.