Acting local, thinking global: adaptation to climate change in small and medium-sized cities

Adapting to the effects of climate change is one of the biggest challenges cities worldwide face. Unlike most publications that focus on large municipalities, this paper examines 103 Polish small and medium-sized cities (< 100,000 inhabitants) to determine whether their authorities perceive a need to implement climate change adaptation measures, the barriers to such measures, and the factors affecting their implementation. A triangulation method was used to conduct 103 surveys with representatives of Environmental Protection Departments and to conduct interviews with representatives of 10 selected locations. Their results reveal that city size does not directly affect adaptation to climate change, and that adaptation is not a priority for the authorities. Insufficient support from the central government to local governments is the strongest barrier to implementing adaptation measures. By focusing on small and medium-sized cities in Central and Eastern Europe, the study provides new empirical insights into how institutional context and social factors shape local climate change adaptation under limited resource constraints. Climate change adaptation activities are not a priority for local authorities of small and medium-sized cities. The size of a city does not affect its effectiveness in implementing climate change adaptation activities. Having strategic documents positively influences cities’ proactive approach and adaptation activities. To increase the involvement of cities in adaptation actions, central authorities should create well-prepared government support programs.