Citizen concerns about climate change impact and perception of planned retreat in Swedish waterfront municipalities

This study examines citizen concern of extreme events and their views of planned retreat as a climate adaptation strategy to reduce the risk of flooding in five Swedish waterfront municipalities. Data were collected using a survey questionnaire (n = 1000). Sociodemographic and place-based characteristics were included in a basic framework of analysis. The data were statistically processed using the chi-squared test of independence and T-test for comparison of means. Place-based characteristics revealed themselves as important variables that are associated with awareness and concern of climate change. The respondents in all municipalities shared a concern for flooding and water scarcity. The concerns of storms, forest fires and erosion were clearly linked to place-based characteristics such as land use and geography. Variables such as age, gender, education, and income did not reveal themselves as significant for the rating of which types of serious events that were of concern to the respondents. The opinion of planned retreat as an adaptation strategy also reflected place-based characteristics, and there were significant differences between the municipalities. Preferences for adaptation through protection, relocation or no action were associated with the hypothetical flooding frequency, gender, age and education. Women and young respondents were more likely to consider the possibilities of a retreat strategy for creating attractive natural and recreation areas than other demographic groups. The main obstacles for planned retreat were shown to be financial, followed by technical and political issues. The findings highlight the need for policy- and decision-makers to recognize local/regional geography and settlement patterns in tailoring adaptation and preparedness strategies.