Challenge of Local Responses to Climate Change; Perceptions of Urban Planning Practitioners in Sri Lanka

This study attempts to explore the key factors influence on integrating climate change adaptation into urban planning at local level with special reference to Sri Lankan coastal urban localities. Based on the reviewed literature, key factors have been discussed in this paper are (i) Decision making power and legal framework, (ii) Financing and other resources, (iii) Access to localized knowledge, information and technical skills, Institutional capacity and resources, and (iv) Community awareness and perceptions. The study has synthesized the key factors that constraint the integration of climate change responses in urban planning practice; in comparison to the challenges revealed through comprehending the literature and the challenges perceived by the urban planning practitioners of Sri Lanka.