Kystklar – climate adaptation with nature based solutions

Due to accelerating climate change, coastal regions and coastal cities are exposed to sea level rise, erosion and storm surges. This doctoral project focuses on nature-based solutions – solutions that use natural processes and landscape-based methods – to adapt societies to the effects of climate change.

Using action-based research methods and case studies, the doctoral project will investigate how municipalities in Sweden and Denmark plan and implement coastal strategies with a focus on dynamic climate adaptation with nature-based solutions. The research is based on transition theory and develops methods for decision-making in an area where there is currently deep uncertainty. In addition, the doctoral project will assess the value of the ecosystem services provided by nature-based solutions, such as biodiversity, carbon storage and recreation. This assessment will serve as a starting point for working with nature-based solutions in Halland and for finding new opportunities to finance these solutions.

Kystklar brings together five municipalities from southern Sweden and five Danish municipalities, as well as four universities in Sweden and Denmark. Together, they form a professional partnership to develop next-generation coastal strategies and climate adaptation plans that are long-term, dynamic and nature-based.