Diagnosis of climate change adaptation potential in the Pomeranian Province: a key step in ensuring preparedness for the future

Climate change significantly impacts societies and the environment, causing extreme weather events, rising sea levels and droughts. This study evaluates the scope and nature of adaptation measures implemented by local government units (LGUs) in the Pomeranian Province, Poland. It examines the perceptions of LGUs and residents regarding the most dangerous and troublesome weather phenomena associated with climate change. Additionally, it explores the preferred adaptation strategies, including resident early warning systems, empowering emergency services and increasing green spaces. The study further investigates individual actions perceived as most effective in mitigating climate change impacts, such as energy and water conservation. Finally, it assesses the acceptability of specific adaptation measures, with a focus on floodplain development restrictions. Objectives: a) Evaluate the range and types of adaptation measures implemented by local government units (LGUs) in the Pomeranian Province, Poland, in response to climate change. This assessment will explore the specific actions taken by the LGUs to address the challenges posed by a changing climate. b) Examine how LGUs and residents perceive the most dangerous and troublesome weather phenomena associated with climate change in the region. The study aims to understand the perspectives of both groups regarding the most impactful and concerning weather events. c) Explore preferred adaptation strategies for mitigating climate change impacts, considering the perspectives of both LGUs and residents. This will involve analyzing their views on early warning systems, empowering emergency services and increasing green spaces to identify potential areas of collaboration and consensus. d) Investigate individual actions that residents perceive as most effective in mitigating climate change impacts, such as energy and water conservation. This will delve into the specific actions individuals believe they can take to contribute to the broader effort. e) Assess the level of acceptance for specific adaptation measures, particularly focusing on floodplain development restrictions. The study will examine the willingness of the population to support the implementation of specific measures aimed at addressing climate change. Material and methods: The paper makes use of theoretical-empirical research methods. Qualitative and quantitative methods adopted in security sciences were used for the research. Use was also made of a diagnostic survey method and information obtained from the qualitative and quantitative research was then subjected to analysis, specific interpretation and comparison. The final conclusions were devised based on a synthesis leading to an in-depth combination of the elements of the studied concept in a holistic approach. Results: The results of the conducted analysis point to the most extreme weather events as well as the most disruptive weather events that jeopardise the life and health of the public. Furthermore, emphasised were necessary initiatives to be undertaken by local authorities and emergency bodies to minimise climate change. Conclusions: Diagnosis of climate change adaptation potential is a vital tool in tackling climate challenges. It supports decision-making to minimise risks and build resilience to climate change, enables planning for a sustainable future that takes into account our ability to adapt to an increasingly turbulent and variable climate future.

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Opracowanie rekordu ze środków MNiSW, umowa nr POPUL/SP/0154/2024/02 w ramach programu "Społeczna odpowiedzialność nauki II" - moduł: Popularyzacja nauki (2025).