Nässjö has been named the worst municipality in Sweden to live in as the climate changes, according to a new survey. The ranking, which previously labeled Östhammar as the worst, has sparked debate and concern among local officials and residents. Despite the criticism, Nässjö is actively working on climate adaptation strategies, including water management and flood mapping.
Nässjö Ranked Worst in Sweden for Climate Adaptation
Nässjö Ranked Worst in Sweden for Climate Adaptation
Nässjö has been named the worst municipality in Sweden to live in as the climate changes, according to a new survey.
– It doesn't feel good at all, because I know we are doing much more than what this ranking suggests, says municipal councilor Sara Lindberg (S).
Last year, Expressen visited Östhammar, which was previously identified as the worst municipality in Sweden for climate adaptation by a survey from Länsförsäkringar real estate agency.
An unfair ranking, according to municipal councilor Fabian Sjöberg (M).
One reason for the low ranking was that the municipality failed to respond to two surveys about climate adaptation and urban planning.
Now, Länsförsäkringar has repeated the survey, and Östhammar has climbed to position 274.
Instead, Nässjö is now identified as the worst in Sweden.
Ranking Draws Attention in Nässjö
Sara Lindberg, chair of the municipal council, was initially surprised by the result, as the municipality is actively engaged in climate adaptation. Upon closer inspection, she discovered that Nässjö, like Östhammar last year, had missed responding to the two surveys that form part of the ranking's basis.
– We receive many surveys from various sources and sometimes need to prioritize our responses. Had we known the significance of these, we would have surely responded, she says.
Although the survey may seem unfair and not particularly scientific, it became a talking point in Östhammar last year and has caused some stir in Nässjö this year.
– There have been both articles and TV coverage, and I understand if our residents think, "Help, are we the worst in the country, is the municipality doing nothing?" Many of the officials working on these issues have been upset, as they are doing a great job, says Sara Lindberg.
How Nässjö is Addressing Climate Issues
She explains that Nässjö has not made a specific decision on a climate adaptation strategy, but the climate issue is included in several other municipal decisions.
– For example, how we will work with water supply. We also have a green structure plan underway, and we have conducted flood mapping.
One of the biggest challenges in Nässjö as the climate changes is managing water during heavy rainfall. Work is ongoing, including replacing pipes, according to Sara Lindberg.
– It's a challenge we have. Another challenge is drought. We have had water restrictions several times in recent years.
The Demand: Take Climate Threats Seriously
Marcus Svanberg, CEO of Länsförsäkringar real estate agency, comments that the pace of climate adaptation must "accelerate" as heatwaves, droughts, floods, and landslide risks become more common.
He believes many "underestimate" the climate threat.
– Sweden will become even warmer, drier, and wetter. This changes how we can live and build, but also demands preparedness from both society and individual homeowners, says the CEO.
The best municipality to live in according to Länsförsäkringar's survey is, as last year, Piteå.