Author(s)

ULF RYDNINGEN

Abstract

Urban areas across Europe face growing challenges from intensified rainfall and surface flooding, driven by climate change and urban densification. This paper examines how stormwater management is integrated into municipal planning processes, using the Nordic countries as a case for understanding the governance and institutional dimensions of adaptation. Drawing on a review of Norwegian and Nordic research, policy documents and case studies, the paper explores how existing planning frameworks enable or constrain adaptive responses. Institutional theory is applied to explain how established routines, norms and administrative divisions shape local implementation, while governance theory provides insight into the collaborative processes needed for cross-sectoral coordination. The findings reveal that Nordic municipalities display high levels of environmental awareness and technical competence, but continue to struggle with fragmented responsibilities, weak regulatory frameworks and limited enforcement. The paper argues for a hybrid governance model that combines municipal autonomy and collaborative learning with stronger national guidance and performance standards. Lessons are drawn from international experience with sustainable drainage systems in the UK and low impact development in the US. The study concludes that the key to climate-resilient stormwater governance lies in institutional integration, aligning planning, water management and environmental policy within a shared adaptive framework.

Keywords

stormwater management, governance, institutional theory, municipal planning, resilience, climate adaptation