Climate-Resilient Spatial Planning in the Alps : An analysis of the integration of climate change adaptation and climate resilience in spatial planning systems and practice in the Alpine region

Abstract

Spatial planning is generally identified as a key sector in climate change adaptation that supports a climate resilient development. Therefore, spatial planning receives a specific focus in the recent EUSALP activities. Foremost, the development of a common spatial development perspective is an objective within the INTERREG Alpine Space project AlpGov2. EUSALP Action Group 8 (Risk Governance) decided therefore to actively contribute to this common spatial development perspective with an overall analysis of the status quo of climate resilient spatial planning. Climate change impacts are of course closely connected to natural hazards in the Alpine area and spatial planning represents an essential component of (climate) hazard prevention.

The study covers the whole EUSALP perimeter and can of course not portray national planning systems and diverse planning practice concerning a resilient spatial development, that integrates climate change adaptation measures, in detail. It seeks therefore to evaluate the overall status quo of connecting climate change adaptation (as well as disaster risk management) with spatial planning. The study starts with a secondary analysis of the expected and observed climate signals in the Alpine region and identifies the relevance and role of spatial planning to adapt to climate change impacts. Against this background, the study continues with a status quo analysis of climate resilient spatial planning in international and national research projects as well as national policy documents – primarily the National Adaptation Strategies and National Actions Plans. To understand implementation activities and day-to-day practice a number of interviews with planners on national, regional and local levels as well as experts responsible for coordinating adaptation measures were conducted. Additionally, to highlight the local and regional perspective a workshop in October 2021 focussing on the Walgau valley in the province of Vorarlberg, Austria was organised. There, local politicians and regional stakeholders that have responsibilities in implementing climate change adaptation measures to foster a resilient development presented and discussed with the participants adaptation initiatives and priorities.