Storms will increase in the wake of climate change, and risk the accessibility of Sweden’s roads and railways. This is stated in a new report from the organization Swedish Business.
Now they want to see climate-adaptive measures to reduce the risk of landslides and are refused.
– This needs to be remedied urgently, says Nils Paul, infrastructure expert at Svenskt Näringsliv.
Last fall, the Hans storm caused great devastation in Åre when the Mörviksån, which runs through the village, flooded. Houses were suspended in the air, properties were filled with mud and water, and roads and bridges collapsed.
Work is now being carried out to build up roads and bridges in the central parts of Åre, among other things.
– We are strengthening the bridge and widening the water channel itself so that it can handle a larger amount of water. We adapt to the climate for future situations with large amounts of water, says Viktor Edlund, project manager at Åre municipality.
Extreme weather is becoming more common
In a recent report from Swedish Business and Industry, it is stated that extreme weather, such as heavy downpours, will very likely become increasingly common in the future.
The report identifies nine areas in Sweden where the risk of landslides and landslides is particularly high. These are areas from Skåne in the south and all the way up to Gällivare in Norrbotten.
Climate adaptation
Now the Swedish Confederation of Business and Industry highlights the importance of adapting to the climate.
– This could involve raising the embankment on a railway that runs through an area with a risk of flooding. On roads in similar risk areas, you need to make sure that there is water runoff so that not all the water ends up on the roadway, and risks leading to road rage or the like, says Nils Paul, infrastructure expert at Swedish Enterprise.
And Nils Paul believes that it is in a hurry.
– This needs to be fixed urgently.