Barriers in municipal climate change adaptation: Results from case studies using backcasting

An experimental case study approach using backcasting methodology with the involvement of stakeholders was applied to develop visions of two ideally climate-adapted Swedish municipalities 20-30 years ahead in time. The five visions created were examined as regards measures that decision makers at other levels in society need to take in order to make local adaptation possible. Dependencies on other levels in society are strong regarding supply of water and treatment of sewage, energy supply and cooling, the built environment and care for the elderly, showing the strong integration of organisations at various levels in Swedish society. Barriers to adaptation relate not only to how global companies, government agencies and regional authorities act, but also to the degree of privatisation in municipalities, where poor skills in public procurement pose a barrier to adaptation.