Challenge
Like many low-lying deltas around the world, the Dutch Delta is vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Currently, our approach to coastal protection blends hard infrastructure, storm surge barriers, and a largely sandy beach and dune system. Resilient coasts are important to prevent flooding in urban areas. We will focus on the various strategies to protect urban areas from sea level rise.  

The discussion will focus on
This thematic seminar will start in consideration of the long term projection of our coastline. The challenge is to develop a vison of how our coastline will remain safe, attractive, and economically viable, focused on the urban areas. The aim is to use these projections to discuss next collaborative steps, deepening our mutual learning. Key drivers to consider are:
 

• Sea-level rise up to 2 meters
• +1.5 mln people (nationwide)
• +2 degree Celsius (+3,6 degrees Fahrenheit) temperature rise (globally, NL +3)
• Maintaining and improving our coastal biodiversity
• Flood safety
• Aesthetics (recreation)
• Economic viability 

Goal
To use the sea-level-rise projection, and to discuss challenges and adaptive steps. By sharing and discussing our challenges we can: 

• Reach a common understanding of mutual challenges 
• Reinforce topics we already work on together
• Identify new collaboration opportunities
• Draft a content-based action agenda regarding the above challenges, where possible linking to (international) policy needs.