In order to become and remain climate-proof and resilient, we will have to change along with the climate. The Netherlands is internationally renowned for its innovative solutions that protect people from water. But the climate is changing rapidly: more heat, more drought, and more water in unexpected quantities and from unexpected sources. And sometimes problems occur simultaneously and reinforce each other. Spatial and societal choices are needed. That is the main message of the WKR in its advisory report on climate adaptation.
Image: © ANP
Where is alternative land use needed?
Choices about our land use are now necessary: even with additional measures, we cannot maintain current land use everywhere. Sometimes it is too expensive, too little space or a shortage of fresh water. Raising dikes or flushing polders to prevent salinization is no longer sufficient. In such cases, it is necessary to give the area a different function. For example, accepting salinization or relocating homes, infrastructure, and industry. By redesigning one area, functions can be maintained in other areas with additional measures.
Recommendations for spatial planning
The WKR makes the following recommendations for spatial planning choices:
- Determine at the national level which areas need to be transformed now. Translate these to the regional level. Start in places where the urgency is greatest: in salinizing clay areas, drying sandy areas, declining peat meadow areas, and warming cities.
- For large investments, such as in infrastructure, housing, and industry, carry out a climate adaptation assessment that looks at least 100 years ahead. What we build now will determine the adaptation challenge in the future.
- Create more scope for public funding of adaptation to enable the transformation of areas. For example, to create more space for rivers and more cooling greenery in cities.
- Ensure that the costs of adaptation in area development are not passed on to society.
How can we better prepare society for climate risks?
The WKR also examines the role of citizens and businesses. Alongside the government, they have an important role to play in the adaptation challenge. Citizens and businesses are increasingly taking action during periods of too much or too little water. It is important to do this in a coordinated manner so that the government, citizens, and businesses do not get in each other's way. For example: watering gardens or fields during dry periods can cause a lack of water for other sectors.
Recommendations for society
The WKR makes the following recommendations:
- Encourage and coordinate adaptation by citizens and businesses in a way that ensures everyone becomes resilient and is able to participate.
- Make information about climate risks to homes accessible to everyone. This will enable people to make better choices and allow banks and insurers to take these risks into account in a responsible manner. Protect vulnerable groups from unintended consequences.
- Make it clear to everyone who bears which climate risks and when, using a ‘climate damage ladder’.
- Develop a national adaptation monitor to provide insight into risks, measures, and societal impacts - now and in the future.
Reassessment of the National Climate Adaptation Strategy
In 2026, the Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management will present a reassessment of the National Climate Adaptation Strategy (NAS26). This strategy describes how the Netherlands can adapt to the changing climate. The minister has asked the WKR to provide input for this reassessment. The WKR is doing so with this advice.