In October 2024, Valencia was hit by a flooding disaster of enormous proportions, resulting in the loss of more than 200 lives and significant material damage - with knock-on effects throughout the community. This climate-related disaster has become a wake-up call, and important work is now underway in Spain to future-proof cities and regions by integrating both risk management and climate adaptation measures. Professor Jordi Peris from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, a researcher in urban transition and sustainability, will be joining us for this climate breakfast meeting to talk about the work underway.
The municipality of Karlstad is one of the Swedish examples actively working to integrate climate action and adaptation - including preparedness for societal crises linked to different types of threats. Henric Barkman, a key member of Karlstad's local climate change adaptation team, will talk about the ongoing work there.
The National Knowledge Center for Climate Change Adaptation at SMHI has a central role in Sweden's climate change adaptation work. By disseminating knowledge, coordinating government agencies responsible for adaptation and running the website www.klimatanpassning.sethey strengthen the national preparedness. Anna Blomqvist, climate adaptation expert at the Knowledge Center, will provide an up-to-date picture of the climate situation, important aspects to consider when planning adaptation work and what is required to increase the resilience of society in the future.
The link between climate adaptation and climate action at the local level - from a systemic risk perspective - is a research area for Rebecka Engström at KTH and Viable Cities. Among other things, she studies how system risk analysis (SRA) can support cities in building resilience while quickly achieving climate neutrality. Rebecka will tie together today's conversation and reflect on the perspectives of the previous speakers.
The Climate Breakfast featured:
- Jordi Peris, Professor at the Polytechnic University of Valencia
- Henric Barkman, Environmental Strategist at Karlstad Municipality
- Anna Blomqvist, Climate adaptation expert at SMHI Rebecka Engström, Postdoctoral Researcher at KTH Royal Institute of Technology
The conversation was led by Viable Cities Deputy Program Manager Åsa Minoz.
