Vulnerable Groups in Climate Adaptation in Oslo Municipality

Abstract

Cities are starting to feel the effects of climate change and climate adaptation is becoming increasingly important. It is the most vulnerable in society that are also the most affected by climate change. Concerns about equity and justice on who is responsible for climate change has moved to the urban environment and climate adaptation. Researchers are now more interested in the relationship between, political, economic, and social systems and adaptation. However, justice and fairness of vulnerable groups in decision-making and distribution of climate adaptation has not been significantly prioritized.

Oslo is a city that is feeling the effects of climate change and is implementing surface water measures to handle the projected precipitation. How are vulnerable groups considered and included in climate adaptation planning in Oslo municipality? This thesis utilises document analysis and interviews of adaptation planning documents and planners, that will give insight to the scope of the inclusion of vulnerable groups in adaptation by using Oslo as a case study.

This study shows that Oslo treats vulnerability as an end point, where exposure minus adaptation defines a systems vulnerability. Consequently, the built and natural environment is considered the most vulnerable in the city of Oslo. Climate adaptation is concerned with safeguarding the urban environment through blue-green infrastructure. Vulnerable groups are there for underrepresented in climate adaptation planning in Oslo though municipal planners ensure that adaptation measures are safe and accessible. Changing the way Oslo municipality evaluates vulnerability, to vulnerability as a starting point, might illuminate possible injustices with adaptation planning. Offer greater consideration to vulnerable groups.