Integration of Climate Change Strategies into Policy and Planning for Regional Development: A Case Study of Greece

Stavros Kalogiannidis; Dimitrios Kalfas; Olympia Papaevangelou; Fotios Chatzitheodoridis; Katerina-Navsika Katsetsiadou; Efthymios Lekkas

doi:10.3390/land13030268

Land (Feb 2024)

Integration of Climate Change Strategies into Policy and Planning for Regional Development: A Case Study of Greece

Stavros Kalogiannidis,
Dimitrios Kalfas,
Olympia Papaevangelou,
Fotios Chatzitheodoridis,
Katerina-Navsika Katsetsiadou,
Efthymios Lekkas

Affiliations

Stavros Kalogiannidis: Department of Business Administration, University of Western Macedonia, 51100 Grevena, Greece
Dimitrios Kalfas: Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Western Macedonia, 53100 Florina, Greece
Olympia Papaevangelou: Department of Business Administration, University of Western Macedonia, 51100 Grevena, Greece
Fotios Chatzitheodoridis: Department of Management Science and Technology, University of Western Macedonia, 50100 Kozani, Greece
Katerina-Navsika Katsetsiadou: Department of Geology & Geoenvironment, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece
Efthymios Lekkas: Department of Geology & Geoenvironment, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/land13030268
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 13, no. 3
p. 268

Abstract

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Climate change presents a pressing challenge to regional development, impacting economies, environments, and societies across the globe. Europe, with its diverse regions and commitment to sustainability, serves as a unique case study for exploring the integration of climate change strategies into regional policy and planning. The purpose of this study is to analyze the integration of climate change strategies into policy and planning for regional development in Europe, especially in Greece. Data was collected from 270 environmental experts across Greece using a questionnaire. The results highlight the significance of regional economic growth (gross regional product), infrastructure quality, educational attainment, and a conducive business environment as key measures of regional development. Opportunities arising from climate change strategy integration are explored, revealing economic benefits, environmental opportunities, social enhancements, and technological advancements. These opportunities not only mitigate climate change’s adverse impacts but also foster innovation, economic growth, and community resilience. Successful integration can position regions as global leaders in sustainability and innovation. Correlation and regression analyses reveal that opportunities for integration and common climate change strategies positively influence regional development, while barriers exhibit a counterintuitive positive relationship. However, several barriers hinder integration efforts, including institutional fragmentation, resource constraints, conflicting political and economic priorities, and insufficient stakeholder engagement. This study sheds light on the intricate relationship between climate change, policy integration, and regional development in Greece. It supports the potential for regions to drive sustainability and innovation while navigating the challenges of climate change, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and prosperous future.

Published in Land

ISSN: 2073-445X (Online)
Publisher: MDPI AG
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Agriculture
Website: http://www.mdpi.com/journal/land

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