Spanish Climate Change Adaptation Policies: A Comprehensive Analysis of Participatory Elements

The urgency of addressing the impacts of climate change has underscored the critical need for effective adaptation policies. In this context, the incorporation of participatory elements in climate change adaptation policies plays a pivotal role in ensuring inclusivity and collaboration. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of participatory elements in Spanish climate change adaptation policies, with a focus on identifying the extent to which these policies incorporate participatory elements and highlighting potential gaps. Against this background, we conducted an analysis of participatory elements in Spanish climate change adaptation policies with Spain being one of the most vulnerable countries in the European Union (Rodrigo et al. 2023). We addressed the research questions of how well Spanish national climate change adaptation policies incorporate participatory elements and where we identify policy gaps. By scrutinizing participation mechanisms, policymakers can tailor policies to better address the needs and concerns of various stakeholders. The analysis facilitates the identification of best practices and case studies.