Scientific publications

This report presents an analysis of the Swedish government agencies’ climate adaptation work in 2025. Under the Ordinance (2018:1428) on climate adaptation by government agencies, 32 national agencies and all 21 County Administrative Boards are required, within their areas of responsibility, to initiate, support and evaluate climate adaptation efforts. The agencies report annually to the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI), which must submit a consolidated analysis to the Government by 15 April each year.

A total of 50 agencies have reported their work through SMHI’s web-based tool Klira. The results presented in this report are based on the agencies’ reports.

The analysis covers how the agencies

carry out their assignments under the Ordinancecarry out climate adaptation measuresinvolve other actorsintegrate climate adaptation into emergency preparedness and other processesidentify needs for further progress.Most agencies have fulfilled their assignments in accordance with the ordinance. However, the number of agencies with up-to-date climate risk and vulnerability assessments and/or action plans has decreased, most notably among the County Administrative Boards.

All but one County Administrative Board report that they have initiated and/or supported municipal climate adaptation efforts, although the scope varies between counties. Nearly a quarter report that they have reduced support. Fewer than in the previous year have analyzed how their county, and where relevant neighboring counties, are affected by climate change.

Many agencies have gradually expanded and deepened their climate risk and vulnerability assessments and action plans. However, some have not been able to maintain the five-year update cycle, resulting in assessments and plans that are not fully up to date.

Agencies actively carry out climate adaptation measures within their respective mandates. Efforts include developing knowledge, methods and guidance materials, providing funding, collaborating with other actors, and following up and evaluating outcomes.

Collaboration with actors at local, regional and national levels is widespread, including with public authorities, the private sector, and academia. The number of agencies involving international actors continues to increase.

Most agencies are working to integrate climate adaptation into emergency preparedness, although this work is often still at an early stage. Nearly all County Administrative Boards and two-thirds of national agencies have initiated such efforts. In some cases, coordination takes place within climate risk and vulnerability assessments and risk and vulnerability analyses. While integration offers benefits, agencies also note a risk that climate adaptation may be deprioritized. It is therefore important to ensure that climate adaptation retains its distinct role within integrated processes.

The analysis shows that climate adaptation efforts continue to be constrained by limited financial and human resources, particularly at regional and local levels. At the same time, there is a clearer focus on governance-related challenges, including unclear allocation of responsibilities, the need for methodological support and tools, and shortcomings in regulatory frameworks. Access to coordinated and up-to-date knowledge is also identified as a key prerequisite for effective and cost-efficient measures. These needs are closely interlinked, as limited resources affect the capacity to develop knowledge, maintain collaboration and carry out measures. Although agencies are working to address these needs, both internally and across sectors and regions, increased resources and improved governance are required to enable more strategic and coordinated climate adaptation efforts.