Adapting to extreme weather under climate change in Norwegian municipalities
This report summarises results from the Klima SIP (Strategic Institute Programme), involving seven Norwegian research institutes. It was funded by the Norwegian Research Council from 2006–2011 and aims to assist municipalities in adapting to extreme weather. The programme’s main objective was to conduct original scientific research in order to aid municipalities in facing the challenges of climate-driven extreme weather, over the short-term and the long-term. Three specific sectors were highlighted: drinking water supply, cultural heritage, and flood risk reduction.
The impacts of climate change on Norwegian municipalities are described along with work to communicate climate change to municipalities. Then, a summary of results and recommendations for the three main sectors is provided. Topics include agricultural runoff, water treatment facilities, pollution affecting building façades, climate change impacts on and decision-making for dealing with cultural heritage, and floodplain biodiversity. Next, discussion covers the level of knowledge in and integration, of the lessons for, municipalities and municipal governance. A research agenda for future work is proposed.