Key progress factors

Through the mapping and comparison of adaptation policy in the Nordic countries and drawing on the central debates within the scientific literature on adaptation, certain aspects stand out as being particularly important for assessing and furthering national adaptation. These can be identified as key progress factors, and include:

The existence and active use of national adaptation strategies and plans (NAS and NAP).
The clear articulation of responsibility across public bodies, including identification of Ministry and/or cross-sectoral body with coordination responsibility and the political mandate to follow up non-compliance.
The clear involvement and support of county- and/or local-level authorities.
A clearly articulated policy cycle, including risk assessments (RA) and systems for monitoring, reporting and evaluation (MRE).
The availability and active use of policy tools that incentivise climate change adaptation across societal actors, including economic measures.

Element	Denmark	Finland	Iceland	Norway	Sweden
Strategies and action plans guiding adaptation nationally	NAS (2008) and NAP (2012, update underway)	NAS (2005) and NAP (2014, 2023)	NAS (2021) (NAP process underway)	NAS (2008) and NAP (2013, 2023, expected)	NAS (2018, 2023, expected) and SAPs* (2015-2019)
Superior government bodies with responsibility for adaptation	Responsibility: The Government Coordination: Environmental Protection Agency	Responsibility: The Government Coordination: Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry	Responsibility: Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Coordination: Same	Responsibility: Ministry of Climate and Environment Coordination: Environment Protection Agency	Responsibility: Ministry of Climate and Enterprise Coordination: Same
Public body with main responsibility for adaptation at the subnational level	Municipalities	None (county authorities and municipalities are involved)	None (municipalities responsible for mitigation)	Municipalities and county municipalities	Municipalities and county administrative boards
Systems for risk assessments (RA) and monitoring, reporting and evaluation (MRE)	RA: Regularly for certain sectors (e.g., coastal authorities) MRE: No	RA: Regularly, national MRE: Under establishment	RA: Ad hoc for certain sectors MRE: No	RA: Ad hoc for certain sectors MRE: No	RA: Regularly for certain sectors MRE: Partially
Availability of economic incentives **	Low (some funding and insurance schemes)	Very low (some insurance schemes)	Very low (some funding schemes)	Low (some funding and insurance schemes)	Low (some funding and insurance schemes)

* While there is no National Adaptation Plan (NAP) in Sweden, there are numerous sector-specific plans (SAP)

** The general lack of economic incentives in the Nordic countries makes it challenging to speak to progress within this area.