Using adaptation tipping points to prepare for climate change and sea level rise: a case study in the Netherlands | Land Portal

Resource information

Date of publication: 
January 2010
Resource Language: 
ISBN / Resource ID: 
eldis:A59873

Studies on the impact of climate change and sea level rise usually rake climate scenarios as their starting point. To support long-term water management planning int he Netherlands, this paper starts at the opposite end of the effect chain. The study refers to three aspects of water management:

flood defence
drinking water supply
protection of the Rotterdam harbour.

The authors examine whether, and for how long, current water management strategies will continue to be effective under different climate change scenarios. This was done by applying the concept of ‘adaptation tipping points’ – if the magnitude of change is such that the current management strategy can no longer meet its objectives. By applying this approach, the authors answer the following basic questions: what are the first issues that will be faced as a result of climate change and when can these be expected. The results show that climate change and the rise in sea level are more likely to cause a threat to the fresh water supply in the west of the Netherlands than flooding.

Authors and Publishers

Author(s), editor(s), contributor(s): 

J., C., J Kwadijk
M Haasnoot
J., P., M Mulder

Data provider

eldis (ELDIS)

Eldis is an online information service providing free access to relevant, up-to-date and diverse research on international development issues. The database includes over 40,000 summaries and provides free links to full-text research and policy documents from over 8,000 publishers. Each document is selected by members of our editorial team.


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