Arboga möter miljöutmaningar och klimatförändringar
Municipalities in Sweden are responsible for physical planning by developing a general plan. This plan contains intended land and water use for the area. This study aims to investigate the level of integration of environmental issues in the general plan of Arboga municipality and also how well adapted the municipality is for climate change. Further on, the study intends to examine the focus of the general plan and at what rate the national environmental strategies are implemented in the local physical planning of Arboga municipality. Methods used for this study are interviews and reviewing of the general plan itself and other key documents. Politicians and officials from the municipal office in Arboga as well as officials from the county administration in both Örebro and Västerås were interviewed. This study reaches the conclusion that the most pressing climate threat for Arboga municipality is flooding of the Arboga River. Some measures have been taken to curb the consequences of any flooding; however it is uncertain whether they are adequate. The study supports additional measures such as restoration of wetlands (tentatively upstream) for example. They would not only aid in keeping back water but also function as recreation and serve educational purposes.The general plan does not contain any actual focus on climate change, though the topical review of the plan (which probably will take place fall 2012) will make room for discussions on climate adaption. This work has just started up on a regional level and is intended to support the municipalities in their aim for climate adaption. The good will of Arboga municipality and its fine ambitions will certainly facilitate that work.National goals for the environment provide important guide lines for environmental work. The conclusion of this study is that the general plan of Arboga municipality would benefit from including these national objectives. This would help to establish an early and much important relationship between environmental matters and physical planning.