All Nordic countries are experiencing the diverse and increasing impacts of climate change, both nationally and on account of transboundary effects and are working across multiple levels of governance to adapt to a changing climate in ways that enhance their resilience. While there are some similarities in terms of both the impacts experienced and the governance structures used to respond to climate change, the approaches to and experiences with adaptation also vary when it comes to planning, execution, and evaluation of climate change adaptation policies. In the case of adaptation policies, there is a clear potential to learn from each other's knowledge and experiences. The Vision of the Nordic Council of Ministers is to make the Nordic region the most sustainable and integrated region in the world by 2030. Strengthen research and the promotion of solutions that support climate adaptation supports that purpose.
This report contains an analysis and description of national climate adaptation policies in the Nordic countries. The report was commissioned by the Nordic Working Group on Environment and the Economy in collaboration with the Nordic Working Group on Climate and Air. The report has been prepared by a consortium of researchers representing the following institutions: Western Norway Research Institute in collaboration with Stockholm Environment Institute, University of Helsinki, and the Technical University of Denmark.
The report contains a thorough list of key findings and recommendations. Among the key findings, it is worth mentioning that there seems to be a lack of economic policy instruments which would incentivize adaptation policy measures at the national level. From a Nordic perspective, it is important to note the key role of cooperation and knowledge sharing between the Nordic countries in the adaptation field.
Comments to the report have been provided by a steering group consisting of adaptation experts from the Nordic countries during the preparation of the report. The authors of the report are responsible for the content as well as the assessments and recommendations, which do not necessarily reflect the views and the positions of the governments in the Nordic countries.
June 2023