Spatial adaptation
We are increasingly experiencing the consequences of climate change, such as flooding, heat stress, and water shortages. TheDelta Plan for Spatial Adaptation describes measures to make the Netherlands climate-proof and water-robust. It contains a long-term and systematic approach to flooding, heat stress, drought, and the consequences of flooding.
The Delta Plan RA is a joint plan developed by municipalities, water boards, provinces, and the national government. Other parties also play a major role in the Delta Plan's objectives and approach. Spatial adaptation determines how we build our homes and businesses, design our gardens, public spaces, and nature areas, shape our agriculture, and how we construct, maintain, and manage our networks and infrastructure. Adaptive design of the Netherlands is a task to which everyone contributes.
We are therefore faced with the question of how we can reduce and mitigate the effects of climate change (too much water, too little water, heat stress). Cooperation is essential to achieve this successfully. In the coming years, we will be working on making and keeping the Noorderkwartier climate-proof.
What does HHNK do?
In tackling flooding, we have started to identify vulnerabilities across the entire area. In doing so, we are implementing a concrete stress test for the flooding component, as described in the Delta Plan RA. However, there is currently no comprehensive methodology available that describes how to make an area climate-proof. Nor are there any tools available to implement the methodology.
That is why Deltares, commissioned by HHNK, drew up the reportBroad Methodology for Flooding. This report describes the methodology and the associated instrument. The essence of the proposed methodology is a stress test, in which a limited number of climate storms are calculated using a (high-resolution) model of the area. The methodology developed can be applied in both urban and rural areas and has been tested for its value and feasibility within Hollands Noorderkwartier.
Cooperation Hollands Noorderkwartier
In Hollands Noorderkwartier, HHNK, drinking water company PWN, the province of North Holland, and the municipalities have joined forces in the Samenblauwgroen partnership. These parties have joined forces to make the area climate-adaptive and resilient. This means minimizing social disruption and damage in the event of extreme weather conditions (rain, drought, and heat) and flooding. In Samenblauwgroen's vision, a water-robust and climate-proof design requires the physical commitment of everyone. The authorities, the business community, social organizations, and society: everyone will have to do their bit and get to work. Samenblauwgroen is also appealing to citizens to take action with a communication campaign.
What can you do yourself?
You can help prevent flooding around your own home. Consider, for example, disconnecting rainwater (rain barrel) or reducing paving (remove tiles, plant plants). More tips can be found at www.samenblauwgroen.nl and on our webpageWhat can you do yourself to prevent flooding?
If you would like to see what impact climate change neighbourhood have on your neighbourhood , take a look at our climate atlas.
Subsidy for municipalities
Municipal spatial adaptation projects may be eligible for subsidies. To this end, we have opened up the Climate Active Noorderkwartier (KAN) Subsidy Regulation. Projects that make the living environment more climate-proof can receive up to 30% subsidy of the project costs. The scheme is intended to accelerate the implementation of these projects.
For more information, see the pageClimate Active North Quarter Subsidy.