Policy brief: Stronger together for a climate resilient north – Mainstreaming adaptation to climate change at the local level in the Nordic Countries

The 6th Nordic Conference on Climate Change Adaptation, NOCCA23, took place in Reykjavik, Iceland in April 2023. The focus of the conference was on ways to accelerate mainstreaming of adaptation at the municipal level in the Nordics. Four themes were studied: sea level rise, transboundary climate risks, nature-based solutions, and local master planning. The conference explored the current state of adaptation as well as actions implemented in the Nordic countries and the challenges, opportunities, and learnings from the implementation process. The role of different actors was discussed, and how engagement with the community is paramount to success. Finally, the role of the Nordic Council in accelerating adaptation measures within the Nordic region and beyond was discussed. The results have been summarized into a policy brief capturing the thrust of the discussion of the conference.