6. How can we adapt?
Exactly how climate change will affect us will differ from region to region and country to country. Even though we are not completely sure what the effects will be, adaptation to a warmer climate needs to start now. In Sweden we need to seriously consider the risk of flooding and higher sea levels when we build new homes and infrastructure. Likewise, more cooling systems and ventilation in buildings will be needed so that the elderly and children are not affected by prolonged heat waves, for example. In agriculture and forestry, crops appropriate to the new weather conditions will have to be chosen. A warmer climate may also necessitate costly investments. In southern Sweden there is discussion, for instance, about how to divert the water from increased precipitation around Lake Vänern to the sea without increasing the risk of landslides in the valley of the Göta Älv river. A new canal or tunnel to the coast is being considered.
It’s important that we start now!