Klimatanpassning av förskole- och skolmiljöer

Sammanfattning: Increased average temperatures, rising sea levels and heat waves are some examples of the consequences of climate change. Cities are particularly vulnerable to climate-related events due to their structure and lack of green and blue spaces causing negative impacts on both the environment and public health. Children are one of the most sensitive groups to heat waves and they spend plenty of time in their school environment, it is therefore important to adapt the space to climate change. This study aims to investigate how Swedish municipalities adapt preschool and school environments (indoors and outdoors) to a changing climate. Nine municipalities were included in the study and semi-structured interviews were used as a method. This study shows that the municipalities progress their climate adaptation work differently. A limitation in staff and economic resources were two barriers when it came to climate adaptation work. Further, lack of knowledge regarding climate adaptation work was also targeted as a barrier, which makes it more difficult to get work started within the field. Climate adaptation measures are mainly implemented when preschools or schools are renovated or newly built. Regarding existing buildings, the adaptation was context-based and performed in case of urgent needs. The size of the outdoor space was a crucial factor influencing the design and function of the courtyard of the preschool or school. Often climate adaptation was not the focus when planning the outdoor space but rather a co-benefit when planning the space for recreation or physical activity. In conclusion, involving employees within the municipalities to structure the work and increase knowledge about climate adaptation is important. Also, inserting a climate adaptation work perspective in all planning from the beginning could improve the climate adaptation and support the other functions (e.g. recreation).