New Publication from the Thematic Network on Local-scale Planning: Adapting to Environmental Hazards in Norway
Recently, Lene Sandberg (UiT the Arctic University of Norway), Nicole Bonnett (University of Alberta) and Jeff Birchall (University of Alberta), from the UArctic Thematic Network on Local-scale Planning for Climate Resilience, published "Adapting to environmental hazards in Norway: Confusion over legal responsibility results in stalled action and greater risk of disaster", with the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction.
In this paper the authors explore confusion over legal responsibility for adapting to environmental hazards in Norway, particularly in the context of quick-clay landslides, a hazard of increasing importance due to climate change. They hone in on the role of, and relationship between, landowners, municipal and national governments, how this creates confusion, and ultimately results in deferring of responsibility and stalling of action in practice. Finally, they identify four factors that contribute to confusion (ambiguity in relevant legislation/ policy; limited awareness/ legal knowledge; complexity coordinating actors/ institutions; and, lack of capacity), and suggest interventions to facilitate government action on adaptation.
The journal article can be accessed for free here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2025.105807
Full citation:
Sandberg, L., Bonnett, N., Birchall, SJ. (2025). Adapting to environmental hazards in Norway: Confusion over legal responsibility results in stalled action and greater risk of disaster. Intl. J. of Disaster Risk Reduction. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2025.105807