Trial lecture - time and place
Adjudication committee
- Professor em. Inge Lorange Backer, University of Oslo (1. opponent)
- Professor Helle Tegner Anker, Copenhagen University (2. opponent)
- Professor Sigrid Eskeland Schütz, University of Bergen
Chair of defence
Supervisors
Summary
The significance of the climate
The climate is a key precondition for our communities. Temperature and precipitation affect natural ecosystems, growing conditions in the agriculture, which diseases and other health conditions we have to tackle, and various other factors. Changes in sea level, intensity of rainfalls, floods and other natural events have implications for where and how we ought to build houses and infrastructure. Even small changes in the climate can have major impacts on the society. Despite extensive efforts to limit future greenhouse gas emissions and global warming, some changes are inevitable.
Climate adaptation
Adaptation involves assessments and measures to prevent or limit damage as a result of climate conditions. Prevention is often more effective and appropriate than repairing. Meanwhile, it is necessary to avoid so-called maladaptation – solutions that in sum cause larger disadvantages for other interests, or seek to prevent irrelevant consequenses. The question is how society can achieve a comprehensive, coordinated adaptation.
Planning and uncertainty
Planning under the Norwegian Planning and Building Act is a system designed to steer societal development in a comprehensive and coordinated manner. This happens through assessments of different interests, and balancing them through transparent and participatory processes. Both experts (NOU 2010: 10) and the Norwegian government (Meld. St. 33 (2012-2013)) emphasise that planning is the most important tool for adaptation.
Dealing with uncertainty in the factual basis for plans is a central issue in adaptation. Both the climate system, and how changes will affect public interests, are complex topics with inherent uncertainty. In addition to the factual risks, municipalities must weigh adaptation efforts against other purposes in the plans, like residential development and the natural environment.
Great opportunities
The thesis describes the challenges, opportunities and obligations municipalities face when trying to include expected climate change in their planning. A key topic is how uncertainty and risk should be dealt with. The discussion also includes how the Planning and Building Act can be used for adaptation, the extent to which municipalities are legally obliged to prevent damage, and possible consequences if such obligations are unfulfilled. Thus, the text gives both a broad overview of a complex topic, and deeper insight into specific issues.
The conclusion is that current rules give municipalities ample opportunities for appropriate climate adaptation. However, there are limitations to what can be solved through legislation. The end result will heavily depend on political will.