The influence of regional strategic policy on municipal climate adaptation planning

This study examines the extent and quality of climate adaptation integration within strategic plans of local governments in British Columbia, Canada. Strategic plans (n = 39) were assessed using plan content analysis in order to understand whether regional planning leads to adaptation action by municipalities. Framed through an institutional resilience lens, we find that regional policy guidance is critical for initiating the uptake of municipal climate adaptation; however, lack of granular adaptation policies informed by appropriate climate data constrains implementation in practice. Through collaboration and leveraging strengths of different levels of government, adaptation barriers can be addressed and the quality of adaptation policies improved.