This study aims to identify the barriers faced by local governments in implementing climate change adaptation measures and to analyze the linkage structure among risks, projects, and administrative functions in orderto propose strategies for strengthe...
This study aims to identify the barriers faced by local governments in implementing climate change adaptation measures and to analyze the linkage structure among risks, projects, and administrative functions in orderto propose strategies for strengthening these connections. A survey of 88 experts and public officials was conducted to assess perceived barriers to adaptation implementation.
In addition, 72 risks listed in the National Climate Crisis Adaptation Enhancement Plan were classified as national or joint tasks according to the Local Autonomy Act, and 176 adaptation projects from five basic local governments were examined in terms of project types, budget structures, and linkages to statutory functions and responsible departments. Survey findings indicate that the main barriers include insufficient human resources, uncertainty about future climate impacts, and limited information on the effectiveness of adaptation projects. Moreover, 91.7% of national risks were classified as joint tasks,revealing structural limitations that make it difficult for nationalrisk categories to directly correspond with local adaptation projects and administrative responsibilities. The analysis also showed that, despite a high proportion of non-structural measures, budgets were concentrated in structural and infrastructure-oriented projects such as facility installation and maintenance. Forthe same climate risk, the responsible departments varied depending on the chosen response strategy, highlighting inconsistencies in the linkage among risks, projects, and administrative functions. Based on these findings, the study argues that developing a risk–project–function mapping system tailored to regional contexts, improving access to adaptation-related information, and clarifying the capacities and role divisions of local governments are essential steps toward achieving transformative climate adaptation.