SWEDEN’S NATIONAL CHALLENGES IN DISASTER RISK REDUCTION Janet Edwards, International Coordinator Swedish National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction EU project U-Score Mid-term Workshop Salford, United Kingdom 1-2 October 2015

National Challenges for Disaster Risk Reduction Climate change: More rain in some parts for the Sweden, more flooding, more landslides, a warmer Sweden, more severe forest fires, larger cities, more chemicals, … According to climate projections, we will see more heavy rain and storms, rising sea levels, and more days with perfect conditions for forest fires. At the same time society is getting more and more complex and dependent. Either individuals or society is resilient enouhg to completely avoid the consequences of natural events with negative consequences but our knowledge and tools are getting in the right direction. 1. Cities have problems with the water does not have anywhere to go when it rains heavily. Sewerage systems is not enough and the ground, most of which is covered with asphalt, does not absorb water. The solution is to modernize the sewerage system, while also giving the city more parks and lawns, that can absorb rain water. The construction and widening canals and ponds is also important, so the water has somewhere to drain away. 2nd Around the coasts, the problem is that water flows up over the land when the sea rises. One solution may be to build dikes. Just as Holland protect themselves against the sea, Sweden can protect vulnerable parts of our coasts, especially in southern Sweden. 3rd In our two largest cities, Stockholm and Gothenburg, likely problems to be especially large. It features three of Sweden's nine million people - in close proximity to water. Meanwhile, the cities depend on its ports. A proven solution is that, like London, building mechanical barriers that can let through boats, but to protect the city against high water levels. 4. Sensitive infrastructure across the country need to be strengthened. Otherwise we risk emergency situations, if water masses knocks out transport and electricity networks. The solution is to build better drainage, especially in tunnels and viaducts, while roads need to be strengthened to better withstand race. Political leadership is needed to climate-proof Sweden. Not taking action is many times more expensive.

Challenges for Building Resilience according to Sendai Framework More actors at all levels (national, county and municipality) to work with disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and sustainable cities in an integrated way. Development of a national strategy for disaster risk reduction. Effective support to municipalities for taking mitigation measures.

Sustainable Development 1. DRR, CCA and Sustainable Development UN Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction to 2030 March 2015, Sendai, Japan UN Sustainable Development Summit to 2030 September 2015, New York, USA UN Climate Change Conference December 2015, Paris, France Sustainable Development Summit, more than 150 heads of state and government addressed the UN General Assembly before the end of what's commonly known as Ministerial Week. 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 targets . Agreed on by 193 countries. Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere. Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture. Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning. Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Goal 6: Ensure access to water and sanitation for all. Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. Goal 8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all. Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation. Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries. Goal 11: Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources. Goal 15: Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss. Goal 16: Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies. Goal 17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

2. National strategy for disaster risk reduction Swedish National Platform for DRR commented during their planning meeting in May 2015: Explain the need for such a strategy. The national government should give specific instruction to the agencies (keep the government ministries informed). Define what should be included. MSB should lead the work. Better integration with other crisis management work. Compatible with EU’s directives and initiatives. Use the guidelines for national, county and local risk and vulnerability analyses as a base. Combine risk management, climate change adaptation and sustainability. Consider risk scenarios. Arrange bilateral exchanges on the national level.

3. Support to municipalities for taking mitigation measures Appropriations for risk maps (flood and landslide) according to law Subsidies for climate change adapation measures Crisis management agency cooperation and projects with many stakeholders

DRR Interventions from the National Level The one most effective disaster resilience action …

DRR Interventions from the National Level Should be in line with the 4 priorities of the Sendai Framework for DRR: Understanding disaster risk. Strengthening disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk. Investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience. Enhance disaster preparedness for effective response and to “Build back better” in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction. Photo Gothenburg Lennart Bernram

DRR Interventions from the National Level Should be in line with the EU action, for example: DG CLIMA National strategy for Climate change by 2017 DG ECHO Civil Protection Act DG ENVIRONMENT EU Floods Directive DG ENVIRONMENT EU Water Directive

Effective Interventions from the National Level The one most effective disaster resilience action … Understanding disaster risk. What is it? Who has the expertise? Examples of how to do it. Strengthening disaster risk government. Sweden does it. Investing in DRR for resilience. How much money can the national government give to local level? Which municipalities should receive subsidies?

1. Increased knowledge of DRR What is it? Who has the expertise? Examples of how to do it. The national level finances (in addition to funding from EU) research and development projects. National and international city-to-city learning exchanges. Seminars, conferences.

2. Increased action for local level DRR Risk identification/ risk mapping, risk assessments (legal obligation) Risk management plans / action plans (such as for EU Flood Directive) National level financial support for mitigation measures

How we can succeed Many actors at all levels from many sectors and disciplines. Integrate DRR with work with climate change adaptation and sustainable cities. Work according to a national strategy for DRR and in accordance with EU directives and initiatives. Dialog with and support to municipalities for mitigation measures.