Spatial Planning Response to the Challenges of Climate Change Adaptation: An Analysis of Selected Instruments and Good Practices in Europe

Abstract

The task of combining objectives, spatial planning instruments, and climate change adaptation targets is a complex endeavour that varies across countries. There is a call for a universal discussion on how spatial planning should respond to climate change challenges. To address this issue, this article delves into the approaches taken by Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Poland, aiming to explore how spatial planning instruments support climate change adaptation goals. The authors, based on a jointly extracted questionnaire, identified what they consider to be the most relevant examples of instruments to use to ensure the integration of spatial planning objectives and the response to climate challenges. The identified solutions are compared in detail. Three key spatial planning themes emerged in this study: investment in renewable energy, the development and preservation of green infrastructure, and the protection of coastal zones. This article examines the systemic solutions found in these countries, discusses the role of both classical and sectoral spatial planning instruments, and identifies the level of public authority responsible for key interventions. It shows that instruments developed at the supra-local level should support local authorities by providing them with legal and substantive arguments for developing solutions relevant to climate challenges.

How Is Spatial Planning Adapting to Climate Change? A Textual Analysis Based on the Territorial and Spatial Plans of 368 Chinese Cities

“…The content of spatial planning should highlight the assessment of climate change impacts [14] and integrate climate adaptation themes and tasks across different spatial scales [15]. It should also enhance the utilization of planning methods such as scenario planning, dynamic iterative adjustments, and community engagement [16][17][18]. Simultaneously, spatial planning holds the potential to serve as an effective governance instrument for addressing climate change at the local level through its influence on policy measures for spatial development [19][20][21].…”

Integration of Climate Change Strategies into Policy and Planning for Regional Development: A Case Study of Greece

“…Nowak et al (2023) praised the region's use of innovative financial instruments and public-private partnerships to support green investments. The Basque Country's experience demonstrates how a clear long-term vision, combined with supportive financial mechanisms, can facilitate the integration of climate change strategies into regional development [64]. Similar conclusions for other European member states are reached by [66] and M. Nowak et al [67].…”

“…According to Nowak et al ( 2023) [64], climate change strategies that focus on environmental conservation and sustainable practices can boost regional tourism. By preserving natural landscapes and cultural heritage, regions can attract tourists seeking authentic and eco-friendly experiences.…”

Analysis of the Functionality of a Mobile Network of Sensors in a Construction Project Supervision System Based on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

“…Navigation systems are used while moving on land, on water, and in the air. Information about spatial locations is needed to estimate flood losses [11,12], conduct insurance risk analyses [13,14], analyze climate change [15,16], forecast the weather [17,18], and ensure public safety [19], as well as in defense [20,21]. Determining the locations and geometric relations of objects is possible through the use of various sensors, measurement systems, and advanced analytical software.…”