Emerald | International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management

Introduction to “Municipalities addressing climate change: a case study of Norway”

Ilan Kelman — 2011-11-08 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an introduction to and overview of this special issue titled “Municipalities addressing climate change: a case study of Norway”. It provides the rationale for the project leading to the special issue while summarizing the issue's contents and outcomes. Design/methodology/approach – Seven research institutes in Norway were brought together for a five-year project examining adaptation to extreme weather in Norway at the municipal level. Findings – The project led to individual and collaborative research linked to policy advice for Norwegian municipalities. Barriers and opportunities to act locally regarding extreme weather were identified, giving ways forward through more science along with policy and action possibilities. Research limitations/implications – Only three main sectors were covered: drinking water supply, cultural heritage, and flood risk reduction. Extreme weather affects other sectors too, but no advice is given regarding those areas. Practical implications – The project led to fact sheets, a web site, and engagement with practitioners at the municipal level in two ways. First, providing science-based advice that can be used by those working for municipalities. Second, providing practical advice to scientists regarding what practitioners seek from research. Social implications – The work will contribute to improving how Norwegian municipalities consider and address extreme weather, in the context of climate change amongst other hazards, along with further social and environmental changes affecting municipalities. Originality/value – This special issue represents an interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral approach towards useable science. It is also relatively original in providing an interdisciplinary approach for the case study of Norway.

Climate change and runoff from agricultural catchments in Norway

2011-11-08 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of extreme weather conditions on runoff, nutrient, and soil loss from agriculture-dominated catchments at different locations in Norway. Design/methodology/approach – Four catchments have been selected to study the potential effects of climate change on runoff and nutrient loss. The catchments are part of the Agricultural Environmental Monitoring Programme in Norway (JOVA) and represent different climatological conditions, agricultural production systems/practices, and soil types. Different characteristics were calculated on the basis of existing measurements and evaluated with respect to climate change. Findings – In four selected catchments, climate change is predicted to lead to an increase in runoff. Under similar land use and tillage methods, this will most likely lead to an increase in nutrient and soil loss. Milder winters as a consequence of climate change might lead to extreme runoff conditions and severe erosion, caused by a combination of frozen soil, snowmelt, and intense rainfall. Existing large diurnal variations in discharge have to be taken into consideration in the future design of hydrotechnical implementations. Information about the potential effects of climate change on runoff generation, the magnitude of the different hydrological flow paths, and their potential effects on nutrient and soil loss processes is necessary in choosing the right mitigation measures. Originality/value – Long time series on runoff and water quality (such as those collected in small agriculture-dominated catchments as part of the Agricultural Environmental Monitoring Programme in Norway (JOVA)) are rare, but indispensable in evaluating the potential effects of climate change on nutrient and soil loss.

Impact of rainfall on microbial contamination of surface water

2011-11-08 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – Increased annual precipitation and more frequent episodes with heavy precipitation are expected in Norway due to climate change. The purpose of this paper is to use two case studies to investigate effects of precipitation on the amounts of faecal indicator bacteria and parasitic protozoa (Cryptosporidium and Giardia) loaded to surface waters from catchment areas exposed to different faecal sources. Design/methodology/approach – In the first case study, the loads of faecal indicator bacteria and Cryptosporidium and Giardia, were investigated in relation to precipitation in a stream from a small valley where cattle and sheep are grazed. In the second case study, historical data (monthly values from 2004-2009) regarding faecal coliforms and water flow in five tributaries (urban and rural) of a lake used as a drinking water source, were used for calculating loads of faecal indicator bacteria. These loads were evaluated in relation to historical data on precipitation. Additional sampling during/after rainfall, including analysis of samples for Cryptosporidium and Giardia, was performed. Findings – The study visualises how heavy rainfall may increase the load of faecal microorganisms and potential pathogens in Norwegian water sources. Originality/value – This study provides supplementary information about microbial contamination (including by parasites) of Norwegian surface waters during or after rainfall. This is useful input for decision making regarding protection of vulnerable water sources and for risk assessments. Data are also provided for evaluation of water treatment needs for Norwegian municipalities and waterworks responsible for providing safe drinking water under future climatic conditions.

Climate change impact on building surfaces and façades

Terje Grøntoft — 2011-11-08 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to compare indicative expected changes in maintenance costs due to changes in corrosion of building facades caused by climate change or by possible reduction of air pollution, in Norway and Europe. Design/methodology/approach – Available climate and pollution dose-corrosion response functions from the literature were used to calculate corrosion costs for buildings façades and construction surfaces. Metals and stone were used as indicator materials. Findings – An annual average temperature increase of 2°C and increase in precipitation of 20 per cent in the city of Bergen in western Norway in the twenty-first century is likely to increase maintenance costs of building facades as much or more than a 50 per cent reduction in the concentrations of single air pollutants, and similarly to between 20 per cent and 50 per cent reduction in all the air pollutants, minus chloride, that have been found to corrode the materials. An increase in costs up to about 1 Euro/m2 10 years can be expected, but depending on surface material. This is in contrast with an approximate European average situation where no change in precipitation is expected during the twenty-first century and an increase in temperature will result in reduced corrosion of metals due to drying up of surfaces and reduced maintenance costs. The maintenance costs for Portland limestone surfaces may increase for the European average situation due to an increased effect of air pollution on corrosion at higher temperature. Reduction in amounts of precipitation is expected in southern Europe. This will further reduce corrosion rates and maintenance costs for all materials. Research limitations/implications – The results reported include the uncertainty inherent in climate model scenarios and in the empirically derived dose-response functions. Degradation of real building facades varies depending on factors such as building design, type of surface materials and surface treatments. Practical implications – Reduction of air pollutants, monitoring of degradation, adjustment of building standards and guidelines, and use of more suitable materials and building techniques are some possible measures to adapt to increased atmospheric corrosion of buildings caused by climate change. Social implications – Expected increase in maintenance costs is one additional expense for society due to climate change, which can contribute to reduced welfare and increased social stress. Originality/value – The comparison of expected future degradation and cost of maintenance of building facades due to climate change and due to change in air pollution makes the practical significance of such changes more evident.

Preparations for climate change's influences on cultural heritage

Annika Haugen, Johan Mattsson — 2011-11-08 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – In Norway the most critical effects of climate change are predicted to be increased rain and snow, higher temperatures, increased wind loads, and sea-level rise. This will increase the number of floods and landslides, along with more cycles around the freezing point and increased exposure to high moisture. The main issue for protecting Norway's historical monuments from climate change is how to be aware of and how to handle the coming problems. One challenge is to define and give this information to heritage owners and local authorities. The purpose of this paper is to describe some of the practical threats related to climate change, and provide suggestions for mitigation and adaption strategies. Design/methodology/approach – Theoretical information of the problem is useful at a general level, but the practical impact has to be used at a local level. Improved knowledge about the risks for deterioration at different exposure levels, thorough surveys, and practical solutions, can significantly reduce the negative effects. This knowledge must reach the people that have local and daily contact with the cultural heritage. Information to the owners and responsible authorities about the normal risk of deterioration and how to identify risks related to climate change is crucial. Findings – The main results of the authors' work is a methodology dealing with the problem step-by-step production of a web-site based on fact sheets for heritage owners and managers. The fact sheets are divided amongst different subjects and are designed to be informative and easy to use for owners and responsible authorities. Originality/value – The results presented in this paper will increase the knowledge of how owners of cultural heritage can be prepared for climate change on a practical, hands-on level. This can, for example, be done by a brief overall analysis of the threats of the cultural heritage in a specific municipality. The analysis can be summarised in a list of increased possible risks, with direct practical information given to those needing it, and placed online. This would enable detection of and reaction to warning signs of an unusual situation. Information, training and production of both general and specific plans for action in case of extreme situations are also important in order to prevent the negative effects of climate change.

Managing biodiversity of floodplains in relation to climate change

Jon Museth, Stein I. Johnsen, Bjørn Walseng, Oddvar Hanssen, Lars Erikstad — 2011-11-08 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the importance of floodplains in preserving biodiversity, and call attention to alternative ways of managing floodplains in relation to probable scenarios of climate change. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 20 water bodies on the floodplain at Flisa along the River Glomma (Hedmark County, Eastern Norway) were investigated with regards to crustacean zooplankton and water beetle species richness. Findings – Both on a national and regional scale, the species diversity in the investigated water bodies was high. A total of 57 crustacean plankton and 77 water beetle species were recorded. Of these, ten and eight were new records of zooplankton and water beetle species in Hedmark County, respectively. Seven recorded water beetle species were specified in the 2010 Norwegian Red List of Species. Further, the localities on the Flisa floodplain are relatively unique with regard to the composition of species compared to other investigated localities in Hedmark County. Social implications – Floodplains are intensively used and are considered as among the most threatened ecosystems in the world. More frequent and less predictable floods can be expected in the future due to climate change's influence. In some settings more frequent larger floods may work to re-establish the connectivity, but larger floods might also result in demand for construction of more extensive flood mitigation measures. Originality/value – The results from this case study underpin the high biodiversity of floodplains, an ecosystem infrequently examined in Norway. The results of this study are of importance regarding management and maintenance of ecosystem services (e.g. biodiversity and water retention) from floodplains.

Climate change knowledge acquisition in Norway's municipalities

Geir Inge Orderud — 2011-11-08 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to document and analyse the information network available to municipal mayors in Norwegian municipalities and environmental officers in the municipal administration, covering both public and private information sources. Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on a quantitative methodology. Survey data from a sample of all Norwegian municipalities are analysed, and explorative statistics, correlations and regression analysis are applied. Findings – The most important information sources for Norwegian mayors are science, the County governor's environmental department and the municipal environmental officer, with consultancy playing a minor role. In the case of science, it is noticeable that females, central municipalities, and the disciplines of humanities and environment contribute to the strong position of science. Furthermore, the left axis of politics increases the quantity of intra-municipal information sources. The most important contact points for the environmental officer are the County Governor and other primary municipalities. The county municipality, consultancy and research are of lesser importance. It is noticeable that full-time environmental officers have a broader climate change information network than part-time officers. Furthermore, a higher level of education is linked to increased interaction with other public sector actors. Practical implications – The study documents a multi-level governance of networking. The differences between full-time and part-time environmental officers should stimulate a debate and motivate further research to determine whether funding full-time positions by the central government could foster more effective local climate change policies. Originality/value – The study's value lies in its contribution to the climate governance literature, deepening our understanding of the role of different information sources and actors in facilitating sound climate change and environmental policies.

Ippr Report – Investing in clean energy: how can developed countries best help developing countries finance climate-friendly energy investments?

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Rules on CO2 from vans have entered into force

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Britain to halve emissions by 2027

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Spain reduces emissions towards Kyoto targets

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OECD study on CO2 emissions in Norway

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Use of Kyoto credits leaps in ETS

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Survey: localism and climate change

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Editorial

2011-11-08 00:00:00.0

Diary

2011-11-08 00:00:00.0

Preparing for Climate Change, Series – Boston Review Books

2011-11-08 00:00:00.0