News item | 09-11-2023 | 05:45
It is technically possible to protect the Netherlands against a sea level rise of up to 3 meters. In the worst scenario we will achieve that increase a little after 2100, in the best scenario that increase will not be achieved by 2300. Rising sea water is already increasingly pushing inland, putting pressure on the availability of fresh water. The Netherlands must prepare for this.
This is evident from the publication of a series of technical studies that the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and the Delta Commissioner carried out under the so-called ‘Sea Level Rise Knowledge Programme’. This involves examining, together with knowledge institutions, how we can protect ourselves against sea level rise in the future, and what we need to do now. A summary of the research to date is available online.
Minister Mark Harbers (Infrastructure and Water Management): “The sea level is rising and will rise even faster in the future. At the same time, our entire Kingdom is located by the sea. That makes it crucial for me to stay on top of the latest knowledge. The Netherlands is now leading the way, because with our models we can look at the consequences of several meters of sea level rise. With that knowledge, I continuously keep my finger on the pulse, so that when necessary, I can take the measures that keep our country safe.”
Delta Commissioner Peter Glas: “In the Delta Program we focus on the long term, because we must be and remain prepared for climate change. Being prepared means that we have various measures in place in time for safety against flooding and for sufficient freshwater in the future. So that future generations still have some choice and can continue to live safely and prosperously in our delta.”
Keeping the Netherlands safe from seawater
Keeping the Netherlands safe from seawater There are several ways in which the Netherlands can keep rising seawater out. We supply sand to keep the coastline in place and strengthen the dunes. We have also built dikes, dams, storm surge barriers and locks to keep the seawater out. The studies show that we can continue with this approach, although major intervention is required in terms of dike reinforcements.
There are spatial challenges that make this task complicated. To give an example: if a dike is raised, it must also be widened to keep it strong enough. Dike reinforcement in built-up areas is already no easy task. It is therefore unwise to build right next to an existing dike at this time. That is why the water boards are now examining what space should be reserved to further widen the dikes in the future.
Dealing with saltier water
The studies also show that as sea levels rise, more salt water enters our country. This happens via the groundwater, but it also enters the rivers via the Nieuwe Waterweg and it enters via sea locks such as at IJmuiden and the Afsluitdijk. In the past, there was enough river water and rainwater to wash away the salt. We have noticed in recent years that this is less and less the case – prolonged periods of drought and low river discharges are already putting pressure on freshwater availability.
There are many nature and agricultural areas near the coast that use fresh water. Drinking water companies and industry also extract fresh water here. The government wants to protect this fresh water as best as possible, for example by preventing the inflow of salt water at locks. Possibilities for better water retention and more economical use of fresh water are also being examined, for example through other land use methods.
Far future
If sea level rises continue, other long-term solutions will also be considered. This concerns, for example, closing off river estuaries, or moving with the sea level and adapting construction methods accordingly. It is not necessary to make a choice yet, but it is important to investigate whether this is technically feasible, how effective it is, how much it will cost, and when we do have to make that choice.
Sea level rise knowledge programme
The latest knowledge about sea level rise will be incorporated into the Sea Level Rise Knowledge Program, which will in any case continue until 2026. In the coming years, research will be conducted into what exactly is needed to continue the current approach and what is needed organizationally and socially. to adapt to accelerated sea level rise.
This will include a step-by-step look at what adjustments are needed to keep the Netherlands safe from flooding and to deal with freshwater shortages.