The influence of regional strategic policy on municipal climate adaptation planning

ABSTRACT

This study examines the extent and quality of climate adaptation integration within strategic plans of local governments in British Columbia, Canada. Strategic plans (n = 39) were assessed using plan content analysis in order to understand whether regional planning leads to adaptation action by municipalities. Framed through an institutional resilience lens, we find that regional policy guidance is critical for initiating the uptake of municipal climate adaptation; however, lack of granular adaptation policies informed by appropriate climate data constrains implementation in practice. Through collaboration and leveraging strengths of different levels of government, adaptation barriers can be addressed and the quality of adaptation policies improved.

KEYWORDS:

• urban planning
• climate change resilience
• institutions
• plan content analysis
• Vancouver Island
• British Columbia

JEL:

• Q54
• R52
• R58

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors thank the team of editors and reviewers for the constructive feedback and helpful comments during the process of finalizing this manuscript.

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was kindly supported by a Cornerstone Grant from the Killam Research Fund of the University of Alberta, as well the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.