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Climate-proofing the flood protection of the Netherlands

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 March 2014

P. Vellinga ,
N. Marinova  and
J.M. van Loon-Steensma
P. Vellinga
Affiliation:
Alterra, Wageningen University and Research Centre, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands
N. Marinova*
Affiliation:
Alterra, Wageningen University and Research Centre, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands
J.M. van Loon-Steensma
Affiliation:
Department of Environmental Sciences, (chair group Earth System Science), Wageningen University and Research Centre, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands
*
*Email: [email protected]

Abstract

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Global sea level is rising at an increased rate since the late 19th century as a result of rising global mean temperatures. This rise is geographically non-uniform, with substantial spatial differences, and in the latest decade faster than expected. New evidence suggests that more rapid changes than indicated in the Fourth IPCC report take place in the two large continental ice sheets, Greenland and Antarctica. Consequently, the projected sea level rise threatens low-lying countries like the Netherlands. The process of ‘climate-proofing’ the flood protection system of the country offers, however, new opportunities for innovative solutions, providing not only higher flood protection, but also possibilities for multifunctional land-use.

Keywords

sea level riseclimate-proof flood protectionbroad dikesDutch Delta Committeethe Netherlands
Type
Geoperspective
Information
Netherlands Journal of Geosciences , Volume 88 , Issue 1 , March 2009 , pp. 3 - 12
Copyright
Copyright © Stichting Netherlands Journal of Geosciences 2009

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