Today, the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is issuing a new report assessing climate change. A changing climate can have extensive consequences in Sweden as well. Buildings near watercourses, land that slopes and homes where there is not enough protection from heat are examples of buildings that are poorly adapted to climate change.

The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, MSB, sees major risks with structures that have not taken into account the effects that a changing climate can give rise to.

– The challenge is mainly in what was built when you did not have the knowledge you have today, says Cecilia Alfredsson, administrator natural accidents at MSB.

MSB's support

In order for municipalities to have the necessary preparedness for climate change, MSB offers various types of support. To prevent the risk of collapse, there is a state subsidy for natural disasters. The grant used to be 25 million a year, but was raised last year to 500 million.

"You see a lot of risks and measures are required that the municipalities themselves cannot finance," says Cecilia Alfredsson.

The application period for this year's support closed on March 1. Nine municipalities have applied for the support. Cases have not yet been dealt with, but Cecilia Alfredsson says that the need for the support sums seems great.

"My view is that the support will be used entirely this year.

Preventive work for heat waves

In February, a map service for heat mapping was also introduced. It shows the highest soil temperatures in Sweden in 2017-2022, and the hope is that the municipalities can use it to identify which areas need climate adaptation.

"Especially for older people, heat waves can pose great risks. The map service can help with preventive work, says Cecilia Alfredsson.

Although measures can be expensive, Cecilia Alfredsson believes that it is worth it.

"Prevention is cheaper than the costs that come when something happens.

Watch Rickard Nygren, architect focused on sustainability, give tips on how to think about climate-adapted housing.