A society ill-equipped to deal with the effects of climate change on cultural heritage and landscape : a qualitative assessment of planning practices in transport infrastructure

This paper provides insights into the handling of climate change issues related to cultural heritage at different government decision levels dealing with physical planning, and in particular roads. Data are derived from a qualitative analysis of official reports and interviews with local and regional planners in three Swedish regions with contrasting climates. The theoretical lens of Institutional Interplay is applied to an analysis grouped into six themes: Climate threats to cultural heritage, Adaptation measures, Preparedness, Institutional preconditions, Institutional interplay, and Challenges. The results suggest that despite a strong environmental reputation internationally, Sweden is not particularly well prepared for dealing with future climate change impacts on cultural heritage and landscape. The lack of national standards and standardised methods risks regional and sectoral variation in the treatment of similar tasks, a problem which deficiencies in knowledge and continuing education are perpetuating. The degree to which discussions and cooperation occur between divisions within the same authority, between authorities, and in national networks varies considerably. Routines and criteria for prioritisation of cultural heritage mitigation, essential under conditions of limited resources, have yet to have been implemented. We conclude with five recommendations for improving the planning process with respect to climate change risks to cultural heritage.This article is part of the research project “Cultural Heritages and Landscapes in a Changing Climate.Climate adaptation of the Swedish Transport Administration’s area of responsibility for robust planning forincreased environmental achievement (Kulturmiljöer och landskap i ett förändrat klimat. Klimatanpassning avTrafikverkets verksamheter för en robust planering för ökad miljömålsuppfyllelse)” and has been financed by theSwedish Transport Administration’s Research and Development grant (number Dnr: TRV 2018/118237).Cultural Heritages and Landscapes in a Changing Climate. Climate adaptation of the Swedish Transport Administration’s area of responsibility for robust planning for increased environmental achievemen