A comparative policy approach to climate change in cross-border regions

Abstract

This research aims to explore regional place-based approaches to climate change in cross-border regions (CBR)s. CBRs face unique challenges as well as opportunities to develop innovative approaches and more resilient responses to the threats generated by climate change (CC). The study reveals the policy directionality in CBRs across multiple levels of government. Specifically, we explore how the different policy objectives – climate mitigation vs adaptation – are aligned across the international borders in Polish CBRs and their counterparts in Germany, Czechia, Slovakia, and Lithuania. The paper uses mixed methods combining qualitative data concerning both policy documents and investment figures issued at regional, national, and cross-border policy levels. The findings demonstrate the spatial sensitivity in approaches to CC across CBRs. Different levels of policy alignment are reported against the institutional set-ups of the CBRs. The analysis shows a clear consensus on the role of cross-border cooperation in addressing CC-related threats, including floods and forest fires. These threats are recognised unanimously across the CBRs’ sample, although the remediation measures vary. The analysis demonstrates that a similar institutional set-up, across the two sides of the border, “per se” does not necessarily guarantee a coherent approach toward CC.