ABSTRACT

This chapter uses the Swedish case to exemplify some of the progress, and the challenges, of integrating a gender perspective into climate change responses at the level of municipal planning. This chapter draws on a theoretical discussion of the intersection between gender and planning theory to demonstrate how an understanding of feminine and masculine values and perspectives contributes to and enhances the participatory planning approach, which is essential in achieving well-informed climate change response. The chapter argues that the inclusion of a gender perspective in environmental planning contributes an added power dimension; it systematically raises awareness of how masculine values and perspectives tend to gain power over feminine values and perspectives. It explores three main dimensions of municipal planning as climate change response, namely spatial planning and participation, environmental planning and participation, and the characterisation of feminine and masculine values and perspectives in planning for climate change.