Integrated drought risk assessment to support adaptive policymaking in the Netherlands

Abstract. Adaptive policymaking to prepare for current and future drought risks requires an integrated assessment of policy actions combinations those under changing conditions. This entails quantification risks, integrating probability socio-economic consequences all relevant sectors that are potentially impacted by drought. The investment costs proposed strategies (various combined) can then be compared with the expected risk reduction determine cost-effectiveness. paper presents a method quantify in Netherlands conditions response actions. It illustrates how use this information as part societal cost–benefit analysis building adaptive long-term strategy. has been successfully applied support decision making on Netherlands' national management strategy National Delta Programme climate change adaptation.