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How can we protect Norway against the extreme weather of the future? The national conference on climate adaptation convened 300 stakeholders from diverse sectors and disciplines to discuss this pressing issue.
Published: 22. mai 2024
The need to accelerate climate resilience and adaptation efforts was underscored as over 300 participants from academia, industry, startups, and the public sector gathered on May 7th at the "In Harsh Weather" conference. This event, part of the Oslo Science City Arena series, was organized by the research institute NGI and Oslo Science City, in collaboration with partners from research, business and the public sector.
Climate change is heightening the risk of floods, storm surges, landslides, extreme rainfall, and other natural hazards in Norway. According to economic analyses by Menon Economics and NGI, weather and natural hazards already cost Norway 5.5 billion NOK annually—a figure expected to rise to 19 billion NOK by 2100 if no further action is taken. Protecting existing buildings from floods and landslides by the turn of the century is estimated to cost 85 billion NOK.
“To adapt to a harsher climate, we must improve our collaboration across disciplines and sectors. This conference aims to facilitate that by bringing together a broad array of research environments and industry partners. There is a clear need for a long-term strategic partnership to prepare Norway for future extreme weather,” said Lars Andresen, CEO of NGI.
Equipping for Future Extreme Weather
Climate and Environment Minister Andreas Bjelland Eriksen and Oslo’s Governing Mayor, Eirik Lae Solberg, were among the keynote speakers at the conference. Bjelland Eriksen emphasized that Norway faces a triple challenge: reducing emissions, conserving nature, and preparing for upcoming climate changes. "Climate adaptation may not be the sexiest political task, but it is crucial, and success depends on improved coordination," he noted, highlighting the necessity for clear responsibility distribution as "weather and climate do not adhere to boundaries between different sectors of society."
Governing Mayor Eirik Lae Solberg highlighted the significant challenges posed by heavy snowfall last winter in Oslo and stressed the city's wealth of knowledge as a key resource for addressing climate impacts. “We are fortunate to have leading academic and research institutions within Oslo Science City, and we must strive to better apply this knowledge in practical solutions,” urged Lae Solberg.
Business Opportunities in Climate Adaptation
The conference also spotlighted promising startups like 7Analytics, Mitigrate, and Celsia, which demonstrated their innovative solutions and engaged with attendees at their exhibition stands.
Eric White, the head of climate adaptation at the World Economic Forum, discussed the necessity of greater business engagement in climate adaptation. The WEF's Global Risks Report for 2024 places climate and natural crises among the top global risks over the next decade. “Inviting businesses to participate in climate adaptation efforts is crucial, as it exposes them to both the risks and the economic opportunities arising from climate changes,” White explained.
Siri Hunnes Blakstad, Executive Vice President at SINTEF Community, chaired a panel discussion on the need for coordinated action and shared responsibility in climate adaptation, given the involvement of numerous stakeholders. “This decade is pivotal for climate adaptation, necessitating investments in both prevention and collaboration. Much work is being done on regulations for new buildings, but climate change is a huge challenge for existing buildings as well. Perhaps it is not possible to secure everything, based on cost-benefit assessments. We must navigate these issues with a clear strategy for communication and collaboration,” stresses Hunnes Blakstad.
Dynamic Interactions and Constructive Dialogues
For Lars Andresen from NGI, observing the dynamic interactions in networking areas was a conference highlight: “Creating a forum where municipal staff, contractors, researchers, consultants, and entrepreneurs can engage directly is crucial for fostering the development and application of essential knowledge for Norway’s climate resilience,” he remarked.
Christine Wergeland Sørbye, CEO of Oslo Science City, noted that the conference is part of a broader initiative focusing on climate, energy, and environmental issues within the innovation district. Across from Ullevaal Stadium, NGI is constructing Campus Ullevål, slated for completion in 2026. This sustainability hub will be home to research institutions, startups, and businesses focused on climate, energy, environmental, societal security, and infrastructure solutions.
"Analyses of the startup environments in Oslo Science City indicate that we have significant potential to generate even more innovations and startups in the fields of climate, energy, and environment. The communities that will come together at Campus Ullevål are key to achieving this success, alongside partners such as Sintef and the University of Oslo," says Wergeland Sørbye.