Adaptation on the Dutch deltas: Q&A with Lilian van den Aarsen

Located on the deltas of three major rivers and 26% below sea level, Netherlands has long been recognized as a world leader in adaptation to power water. Lilian van den Aarsen, director staff Delta Programme Commissioner Netherlands, recently spoke with One Earth about Dutch country’s innovative strategies for delta adaptation. The views Dr. ir. Aarsen are hers only do not necessarily reflect those Programme. is low-lying country lot latest scientific insights from Intergovernmental Panel Climate Change (IPCC) Royal Meteorological Institute (KNMI) demonstrate that impacts climate change are, unfortunately, also increasingly manifesting our part world. Wet getting wetter, dry drier, hot hotter, extreme more extreme. And weather becoming frequent. running up against inflexible limits natural system. Due geographical position delta, especially vulnerable rising levels (possibly faster faster) subsiding land. Nearly 60 percent could be flooded, including largest cities economic center. Although we one safest because history investments dikes highest legal standards safety flooding institutional organizations like water authorities, Rijkswaterstaat knowledge institutes, protection floods sea, rivers, lakes still remains utmost importance. Adding challenges increase number (more extreme) torrential rainstorms, frequent droughts, temperatures, cities. possible accelerated level rise will eventually have impact agenda flood risk management freshwater supplies. In river areas, need prepared higher peak discharges longer periods both low high discharge. Implementation track, but than previously expected 2100 approaches, area drought. This result transitions urban rural areas due intensification agricultural land use built-up surfaces. protects flooding, ensures there enough fresh water, contributes climate-resilient water-robust planning country. goal by 2050. means management, supplies, spatial must order. Only then can continue cope properly effects change. approach unique it deals uncertainties proactive, adaptive way. involves uncertainties. We don’t know exactly what look future. Our range scenarios. Programme, government looks way ahead implements additional measures when needed. Not all fixed next 50 100 years; flexibility new solutions. known management: taking right steps at time. Flexibility where possible, soon During event, particularly brooks flowing into Meuse Rhine caused over 200 deaths other countries, considerable suffering throughout area, €40 billion damage. Analyses shown such precipitation seen anywhere KNMI expects this type event occur often. July 2021, Minister Infrastructure Water Management therefore established Flooding Policy Platform aim drawing lessons situation Limburg how better consequences Netherlands. A represented policy platform, national government, Union Authorities, provincial municipal Commissioner. issued its definitive advisory report autumn 2022; moment, an implementation program being put place. stated serious problems cannot prevented circumstances kind. Extreme rain events cause flooding. All efforts should target prevention social disruption: work mitigating (like expanding storage), building plains), improving public awareness risks weather, forecasts, international collaboration disasters. Especially joint development cross-border cooperation extremely important: choices upstream delta. Among things, recommends ongoing standardization principles underlying stress tests improved coordination analyses different scales. Like facing agriculture, housing, energy. these linked goals soil system sight, they even reached some respects, example increasing salination arable land, subsidence peat discharges. Last year, Ministry policy, stating now “water steering developments." leading priorities decisions. provide frameworks boundary conditions needs done locally specific areas. That make water-robust. Addressing begins making domain. everything everywhere, nor now, instance, practices require prone salination. years ahead, regions agendas regarding transition well housing construction energy transition. When allocating functions important take consideration floods, excess heat, interconnected changes requiring coordinated governance. National Rural Areas (NPLG) was implement area-specific way: nature, nitrogen emissions pollution attention soil, climate. necessary, opens opportunities synergy. Nature restoration, example, go hand-in-hand restoration groundwater reduction deposition. various authorities working together programs under direction authority, partner. belongs us all, which why collaborate objective: keeping physically safe livable. sense truly “national program.” ministries, partners But local residents stakeholder corporations horticulturists regular participants discussions taken. key factor sure regional communities involved decision-making independent head Deltaprogramme He/she serves liaison between provinces, boards, authorities. NGOs, business community program, monitors cohesion component parts decisions taken time so remain protected term well, sufficient supply during periods. drought, salinization, worldwide, partly weather. addition global action required achieve effective timely mitigation, face coming decades, worldwide. Every receives numerous requests abroad learn many cases, shared through webinars tailored to, appropriate for, particular culture, institutions, policies question. Under banner International Ambition (NIWA), helps countries address complex urgent issues hand. Improving security question perseverance. context, long-term partnerships Bangladesh (Bangladesh Plan), Vietnam (Mekong Philippines (Manila Bay Master intensive knowledge-sharing Singapore—including (including Ministries Foreign Affairs, Commissioner’s Staff ) advises stakeholders upon request, governance Transdisciplinary science policymaking necessity design-oriented tool integrate area. essence transdisciplinary parties get around board literally map out bottlenecks, related, solutions possible. method makes concrete straightaway leads quickly discussion ordinary consultation setting. As above, principle development. Therefore, requires experts fields security, dynamics, shocks, circular resource use. author declares no competing interests.