This week, the Expert Committee on Climate Adaptation met for a two-day meeting at SINTEF Energy Research in Trondheim. Appointed by the Norwegian government, the Committee is tasked with strengthening knowledge on the socio-economic impacts of climate change in Norway and with assessing how climate adaptation measures can be prioritised in a socio-economically sound manner.
The meeting focused in particular on methodologies for socio-economic analysis and on climate adaptation in exposed sectors and regions. Research Director Ellen Krohn Aasgård welcomed the committee to SINTEF Energy Research and highlighted the importance of a solid knowledge base for future decision-making.
As part of the programme, research scientists from SINTEF and collaborating institutions contributed expert input. Berit Time presented experiences and key findings from the research centre Klima 2050, focusing on incentives and barriers for climate adaptation and on how socio-economically viable measures can be realised. Håkon Sundt shared perspectives from research on the socio-economic value of flood mitigation through hydropower regulation, while Professor Oddbjørn Bruland (NTNU) provided an overview of flood risk, management and prevention — from analysis to practical implementation. Senior Research Scientist Atle Harby contributed both with expert input and in his role as a member of the expert committee.
In addition to plenary discussions, group work was carried out on partial analyses related to sectors including power, transport, agriculture, households, and water and wastewater services. The discussions illustrated the need for interdisciplinary knowledge when climate risk is to be assessed against costs, benefits, and long-term societal impacts.
The expert committee will deliver its final report and recommendations to the Ministry of Climate and Environment by 1 July 2026. Expert input from the meeting at SINTEF Energy Research will form part of the knowledge base that will be important for how Norway addresses climate change in the years ahead.
