IPCC: adapting to climate change is a huge challenge
Countries are facing an increasingly difficult challenge – both administratively and technologically – in adapting to climate change. The impacts of climate change are being substantiated with growing certainty.
If the global temperature increases by a further 1 degree Celsius, many unique and endangered ecosystems ( including coral reefs) and cultures will have to deal with serious consequences. Moreover, the chance of sudden, irreversible changes is also rising. Many risks, but definitely not all of them, can be reduced by taking adaptation measures. It is necessary that national governments take on a coordinating role in many of these measures. So says the IPCC in its most recent report.
Closer to home, consequences are not far away either. The basins of the large rivers may have to deal with more heavy rainfall, while in the summer the amount of water discharged can fall. High river discharges have an impact on safety in river regions and, in combination with the rising sea level and high water levels at sea, can result in dangerous situations in areas below the rivers more often. With regard to coastal protection and management of the IJsselmeer, we also need to take account of a rise in sea level. Less water in summer means, among other things, a greater risk of salinisation in coastal zones and less water being available for the agricultural sector.
These impacts of climate changes are included in the national Delta Programme. Work is being done using delta scenarios based on the most up-to-date knowledge of climatological and economic developments. Several ‘possible futures’ are being taken into account. This means that the measures proposed should provide answers to a broad spectrum of expected developments. On Prinsjesdag (the state opening of parliament) the cabinet will announce what these measures will be (the new generation of Delta Works), as proposed by the Delta Commissioner.