Climate change conjures up ideas about incremental temperature rises and tiny rises in sea level. But sudden shocks are also possible as a result of more frequent extreme weather events, the effect of heat on our infrastructure, and sinking cities increasingly exposed to the power of the sea.
In response to this, the focus of governments and companies is increasingly shifting from mitigation to adaptation, or ‘resilience’: how do we make sure systems bounce back as quickly as possible once a disaster has struck? For example, how can we ensure that roads and other vital infrastructures are restored in the wake of floods?
This HSDcafe will look at opportunities for business, the government and knowledge institutes to develop climate change resilience. For the Netherlands, a densely populated country largely below sea level, with highly concentrated infrastructures, and one of the biggest ports in the world, climate change poses a serious and existential threat. But the importance of adapting to changing climate conditions goes beyond worrying about weather events on Dutch soil. Because of our international economy, it is increasingly important to help other countries weather the storm as well, aimed at for example keeping trade routes open or safeguarding investments.
The set up of the HSDcafe is as follows:
Jan Kwakkel, post-doc at the TUDelft will give a short introduction on what climate change means for the Netherlands and what a resilience strategy would entail.
Martien Beek, Innovation and International Water Affairs for the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment and part of the Staff Delta Commissioner will say a few words on the Dutch climate change resilience plans.
Next, Jarl Kind, senior economist from Deltares, and David van Raalten, Market Sector Leader ‘Delta Technology’ from ARCADIS, will talk about business opportunities around climate change resilience.
The four brief presentations will be followed by a discussion. From 17.00 onwards the bar is open for drinks and there will be ample opportunity to network.
For more information and registration please visit The Hague Security Delta.
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