Strategisk bedömning av naturbaserade lösningars bidrag till klimatneutralitet : En fallstudie om Umeå kommun

The consequences of climate change affect cities around the world, and adaptation and mitigation are crucial for minimizing the impacts. This includes achieving climate neutrality which various cities, such as Umeå (Sweden), are working towards. To fight against climate change and to reach climate neutrality, various solution exist were nature-based solutions [NBS] is increasingly more recognized due to its multifunctionality. Through a strategic thinking SEA (Strategic Environmental Assessment), this study aimed to examine challenges and opportunities for NBS to mitigate and adapt to climate change in the City of Umeå, and to propose options for complementing the municipality’s Climate Roadmap. The results were derived from collecting data through a literature study and semi-structured interviews, including analysing data using thematic, SWOT and stakeholder analysis. Implementing NBS were identified to have challenges related to cost, uncertainties of effectiveness and knowledge gaps which was addressed in the presented assessment framework. Three strategic options - Reduced air pollution and GHG emissions, Establish a platform for collecting NBS initiatives, learning and knowledge sharing, and Integrate NBS in the Climate Roadmap - were proposed to bridge the barriers and promote collaboration and incorporation of NBS. However, the strategic options and assessment criteria were also found to have risks and opportunities which needs to be considered. This could further be studied in the future, along with the resident’s engagement and perception of integrating NBS in Umeå