A Methodological Tool to Integrate Theoretical Concepts in Climate Change Adaptation to Spatial Planning

Climate change adaptation has become an important policy domain, as it has the potential to substantially reduce many of the adverse impacts of climate change. Several scientific terms and general concepts have been used to comprehend adaptation, including vulnerability, exposure, sensitivity, adaptability, and resilience. However, most of these concepts are often used in inconsistent ways and their relationship is to a large extent unclear. As a result, there is a lack of clear understanding of adaptation and its practical implementation in fields such as spatial planning, whose role in tackling climate change, especially through ecosystem approaches, is critical. This paper attempts to investigate the practical integration of adaptation in the context of spatial planning, specifically through Green Infrastructure (GI) planning. Applying a thematic analysis to 91 scientific and major policy documents, the main determinants of the critical concepts that relate to adaptation were identified, classified, and intertwined with key determinants of GI planning and design. The analysis led to the development of a methodological tool, named REAd GrIn. This model can be used to prepare and evaluate spatial plans and policies, which integrate the concepts of resilience, vulnerability, and adaptability to achieve adaptation through spatial planning.

Automated summary

Climate change adaptation has become an important policy area to mitigate the impacts of climate change. However, the concepts related to adaptation are often used inconsistently, leading to a lack of understanding and implementation in fields like spatial planning. This study explores the integration of adaptation in spatial planning through Green Infrastructure (GI) planning, developing a methodological tool called REAd GrIn to incorporate resilience, vulnerability, and adaptability concepts into spatial plans and policies.