Liveable deltas
The greatest challenge of all time has begun for the Netherlands and deltas worldwide: keeping deltas habitable while the land is sinking, the sea is rising, the weather is becoming more erratic and we are also facing a loss of biodiversity.
Delta regions therefore face complex planning challenges that require an integrated approach. An approach in which we must find a balance between living, working, energy, mobility, nature and agriculture in a changing landscape, taking into account different futures. With our knowledge of water and the subsurface, planning and adaptation strategies, we, together with our partners, are taking on the challenge of keeping delta regions liveable.
New approach
The consequences of climate change are already being felt. It is getting warmer, drier and wetter. This will worsen as the earth continues to warm up. Climate extremes are also occurring more frequently and all kinds of decisions are being made simultaneously regarding spatial planning and infrastructure. This new (climate) reality makes water management even more complex. It requires good preparation and that we choose sustainable solutions, not only for the current generation but also for future generations. A new approach to deltas is needed, with a focus on sustainability and a long-term vision, taking into account the possibilities and limits of adaptation.
Our ambition
Deltares' ambition is to provide policymakers, companies and water professionals with insight into effective adaptation strategies and measures and how these can be implemented in a timely manner. We want to provide insight into what climate-proof investments are and how they can be implemented fairly, in such a way that the benefits are distributed equitably throughout society. There are opportunities in infrastructure maintenance and choices in spatial planning. For example, what should be considered when building new homes? How much space is needed for dykes or dyke reinforcement? How do rivers drain? What choices will be made regarding agriculture? Many factors are interrelated. The deep and broad knowledge of Deltares in the field of water, subsurface and policy, both nationally and internationally, plays an important role in this.