Abstract
In October 2014, an extreme precipitation event hit western Norway, which caused flooding, landslides and severe damage to infrastructure and houses. Climate model projections for western Norway show that heavy precipitation events, such as the one in 2014, will increase in frequency and intensity in the future. This paper discusses barriers to proactive adaptation to high-impact weather events in two municipalities in western Norway. Interviews were conducted with representatives from municipalities in this region to understand the adaptation measures the municipalities had implemented after this event and the barriers to proactive adaptation to extreme events in the future. We found that the key barriers to proactive adaptation are lack of resources, lack of knowledge and lack of willingness to adapt. The magnitude of the event meant that only a few of the informants expected the municipality to be hit by such an extreme event again in the near future, and as such, they did not see a need for major adaptation measures. Further, some assumed that the municipality was sufficiently protected because their areas either were not directly affected or were secured after the event. Finally, some interviewees assumed that it is not possible to adapt to such high-magnitude events.
Highlights
In October 2014, an extreme precipitation event hit western Norway, causing flooding and landslides (Dannevig et al 2016; Langsholt et al 2015; Valved and Olsen 2014)
In Norwegian studies of municipalities, experience with extreme events has been found to be an important factor for implementation of adaptation measures that relate to the projected climate change (Amundsen et al 2010; Dannevig et al 2013)
We investigate adaptation measures introduced after an unprecedented extreme event that hit western Norway in October 2014
Summary
In October 2014, an extreme precipitation event hit western Norway, causing flooding and landslides (Dannevig et al 2016; Langsholt et al 2015; Valved and Olsen 2014). It is mandated in regulations that municipalities check coverage of the climate change impact on flood levels and storm water surges; in other words, climate risks, in risk and vulnerability assessments, submitted along with zoning and building plans. This means that municipalities can be held legally responsible for not taking climate risks into concern when approving zoning plans or construction permits, and that a ‘fear’ regress claims from insurance companies could act as an additional incentive for adaptation. In Norwegian studies of municipalities, experience with extreme events has been found to be an important factor for implementation of adaptation measures that relate to the projected climate change (Amundsen et al 2010; Dannevig et al 2013). It identifies barriers to proactive adaptation to extreme events and discusses how these may be overcome
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