Planning climate change adaptation in small and medium-sized towns – Results of preliminary research in southern Wielkopolska region

Abstract

Urban adaptation to climate change is necessary. However, this process occurs mainly in big cities. In less populated areas, climate change adaptation actions are conducted and investigated less frequently.The goal of the study was to examine whether and what type of climate adaptation actions are planned in small and medium-size towns and whether town size is related to the advancement of adaptation planning. The research was carried out in 5 differently sized towns in southern Wielkopolska Region: Żerków, Koźmin Wielkopolski, Pleszew, Jarocin, and Ostrów Wielkopolski. The analysed materials were the minutes of town council sessions in 2017–2021 and the resolutions adopted by town councils. The resolutions were analysed in terms of reference to pro-climate actions. It was found that climate-related topics were addressed by 4-6% of the resolutions adopted by town councils. In most cases, the planned actions were related to the following sectors: transport, power engineering, and water management. The study found a link between town size and the number of documents addressing pro-climate actions.