Multilevel networks for climate change adaptation – what works?

Åshild Lappegard Hauge,Cecilie Flyen,Gro Sandkjær Hanssen

doi:10.1108/ijccsm-10-2017-0194

Abstract

PurposeThe paper aims to compare and evaluate two Norwegian municipal networks for climate change adaptation, to see how such networks should be initiated and implemented as a means of achieving adaptation measures within municipalities.Design/methodology/approachThe findings are based on 12 qualitative interviews taken from two case studies, and the results are explained in relation to the multilevel network framework and environmental psychology.FindingsMultilevel networks can promote learning and identification of specific actions in connection with climate change adaptation. The aim should be to establish interdisciplinarity, with participants from at least two authority levels. Representatives should be in positions that enable them to introduce acquired knowledge to the organization and influence its application. A network requires organizational commitment, during the initial phase and throughout the follow-up process. Municipal leaders (mayors) must be aware of the network, act as signatories to relevant documents, and be familiar with participating representatives. Commitment to knowledge application within the organization also requires that participants understand where and how to work strategically to convert new ideas into action.Practical implicationsThis paper presents practical and research-based guidelines for the management of climate change adaptation networks at municipal, county and national authority levels.Originality/valueThis paper combines political science and environmental psychology perspectives as a means of analysing network achievements. A psychological approach may help to promote a greater understanding of why and how network knowledge is transferred.

Highlights

Future climate change will lead to increased stresses on natural ecosystems, buildings and infrastructure (Almås et al, 2011)
This paper has investigated how multilevel networks for climate change adaptation can best be initiated and implemented to establish adaptation measures within municipalities
The main conclusion is that multilevel networks can promote learning about climate change adaptation and even lead to behavioural change in the form of policy implementation

Summary

Introduction

Future climate change will lead to increased stresses on natural ecosystems, buildings and infrastructure (Almås et al, 2011). As in other Nordic and European countries, Norwegian laws and regulations on climate change adaptation measures are broad in scope and open to interpretation (Junker, 2015; Hanssen et al, 2013; Wejs et al, 2014). Local municipalities have been delegated overall responsibility and the authority to decide how and to what extent climate change adaptation measures should be implemented. Much information on climate change is available, but local authorities often give scant consideration to such information in their planning and decision-making processes (Hovelsrud and Smit, 2012; Dannevig and Aall, 2015; Hanssen and Hofstad, 2017; Orderud and Naustdalslid, 2017; Multiconsult, 2017)

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Methods

Conclusion