Climate Change in Rotterdam

Rotterdam, Netherlands: Responding to Climate Change

A. Map of the Netherlands and Rotterdam

• Draw a map of the Netherlands, highlighting Rotterdam's regional focus.
• Include a map of Rotterdam, indicating:
  • Green areas: Parks
  • Blue areas: Waterways
  • Black and white areas: Industrial and livable zones

B. Climate Change Hazards in Rotterdam

• Main challenges facing Rotterdam:

  • Rising Sea Levels:

    • Since 1950, sea levels have risen by 6-9 cm.
    • The IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report projects a global mean sea level rise of 0.26 to 0.77 meters by 2100.
    • Nearly 80% of Rotterdam is below sea level, affecting over 600,000 residents.

  • Increased Precipitation:

    • The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) projects a 15-20% increase in precipitation by 2050.
    • This increases the risk of flash floods, especially in urban areas with impermeable surfaces.

  • River Flooding Likelihood:

    • The Delta Program estimates a 10-15% increase in river discharge during extreme weather events.
    • Rotterdam's river network increases the probability of severe flooding incidents.

• Impact on Critical Infrastructure:

  • The Port of Rotterdam, the largest in Europe and outside of East Asia, faces considerable threat.
  • A study by Deltares indicates that a sea level rise of just 0.5 meters could disrupt operations, causing an annual loss of €26 billion by 2050.

• Economic Consequences:

  • Rotterdam's industrial complex (petrochemical sector, shipping, and logistics) is vulnerable to climate-induced disruptions.
  • McKinsey estimates that extreme weather events could result in a 20% decline in industrial output.

• Urban Vulnerability:

  • Rotterdam has a high population density of 2,300/km^2 (metropolitan area) and 3,050/km^2 (city lines).
  • Statistics Netherlands (CBS) projects a potential increase in climate-related health issues, with heat waves impacting vulnerable populations.

• Ecological Impact:

  • The Dutch National Ecosystem Assessment outlines a potential loss of 30% of wetland habitats by 2100 due to sea level rise.
  • This threatens biodiversity and ecosystem services.

• Adaptation Strategies:

  • Rotterdam's "Water Plan" allocates €400 million for adaptive measures, including the elevation of critical infrastructure.
  • The Maeslantkering storm surge barrier is designed to withstand a 10,000-year storm.

• International Collaboration:

  • Rotterdam participates in the European Flood Awareness System (EFAS) to enhance cross-border communication on flood risks with Germany, Luxembourg, and Belgium.
  • The city is committed to the Paris Agreement to limit global temperature rise.

• Public Awareness and Education:

  • 70% of Rotterdam residents express concern about climate change impacts.
  • Educational programs, supported by the Rotterdam Climate Initiative, aim to increase awareness and promote sustainable practices.

C. Vulnerability of Rotterdam

• Demographics:

  • Netherlands overall population: 17 million, with a density of 488 ppl/km^2
  • Urban living rate: 91%
  • Rotterdam City population: 625,000, with a density of 3,050/km^2
  • Metropolitan area (including The Hague): 2.6 Million, with a density of 2,300/km^2

• Infrastructure Definitions:

  • Levee: Embankment to prevent river overflow.
  • Dike: Long wall to prevent sea flooding.
  • Canal: Human-made waterway for boats and ships.
  • Maasvlakte: Man-made extension of the Europoort port industrial facility.
  • Quay: Stone or metal platform for loading and unloading ships.
  • Storm surge barrier: Floodgate to prevent storm surge or spring tide flooding.

• Loss and Costs:

  • Economics - Trade Disruption and Economic Sector Dependence:

    • Rotterdam, housing the busiest port outside of East Asia, faces substantial economic risks.
    • The port handles over 470 million tons of goods in 2022, a linchpin of the Dutch economy.
    • Rising sea levels and extreme weather events pose a serious threat to trade activities, impacting the European supply chain.
    • The Rotterdam port contributes approximately 6.2% of the Netherlands' GDP.
    • A one-day closure of the port due to extreme weather events could result in a loss of €350 million.
    • Rotterdam's concentration in maritime, logistics, and petrochemical industries makes it susceptible to climate-induced disruptions; the petrochemical industry alone contributed €24 billion to the city's economy in 2022.
    • In 2022, the port authority invested €150 million in climate-proofing port infrastructure. The petrochemical industry allocated €40 million for adapting facilities.

  • Environmental Degradation and Recent Climatic Changes/Adaptations:

    • The Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency reported a 35% decline in freshwater species diversity due to altered precipitation patterns and temperature changes.
    • The "Water Plan" involves investments in green infrastructure (€12 million Dakpark), permeable surfaces, and water management systems.
    • Rotterdam has invested €80 million in the construction of water squares and green roofs to absorb excess rainwater.
    • In 2022, Rotterdam allocated €150 million for climate-proofing port infrastructure.
    • The Maeslantkering storm surge barriers had construction costs of €450 million.

D. Conditions Reducing Risk in Rotterdam

• Economic Affluence and Funding:

  • In 2022, the Dutch government allocated €8.7 billion for climate-related projects.
  • In 2023, the EU allocated €21 billion for climate-related projects in the Netherlands.

• Education and Training:

  • The Netherlands has an average of 13.9 years of schooling per person.

• Government Presence and Planning:

  • Rotterdam collaborates with water boards like Delfland and Schieland en de Krimpenerwaard.
  • In 2023, the Dutch government invested €1.2 billion in water management projects.

• Technological Developments:

  • The Maeslantkering storm surge barrier was completed in 1997.
  • Rotterdam invests in projects such as permeable soil parks and tramways.

• Efforts in the Rotterdam Port/Energy Zone:

  • Investments in sustainable infrastructure amounted to €50 million in 2023.

• Communication and Warning Systems:

  • The Netherlands employs advanced warning systems, including NL-Alert and Flood Early Warning Systems.
  • In 2022, NL-Alert reached over 14 million mobile phones during a nationwide test.
  • The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) has apps for weather warnings.
  • The Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) owns approximately 4,200 sirens.
  • Sirens are tested on the first Monday of every month at 12:00.
  • Meteoalarm is a website by EUMETNET providing information on extreme weather events across Europe.

• EU Funding and Collaboration:

  • Rotterdam benefits from EU-funded projects like RESIN.

• Sustainable Transportation Initiatives:

  • In 2023, the city allocated €30 million to expand cycling routes.

• Green Infrastructure Practices:

  • In 2022, Rotterdam invested €15 million in green initiatives.

• Climate Adaptation Policies:

  • The Netherlands National Adaptation Strategy guides Rotterdam's local policies and spatial planning.
  • Rotterdam allocated €5 million in 2023 for implementing adaptation strategies.

E. Response to Climate Change

• National Government Efforts:

  • The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, in collaboration with the Delta Program, oversees major projects.
  • In 2022, the Delta Program allocated €1.5 billion for climate adaptation.
  • The Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science integrates climate education into the national curriculum.

• Regional Efforts:

  • The Rotterdam Climate Initiative, a joint effort of the city, port, and businesses, outlines regional strategies.
  • Rotterdam has committed €300 million to the Rotterdam Climate Fund.
  • The city government actively participates in the European Green Capital Award.

• EU Assistance:

  • Rotterdam benefits from the EU's Horizon 2020 program, receiving €120 million for climate-related projects.
  • The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) contributes an additional €50 million.
  • The EU's Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy engages Rotterdam.

• Actions of Non-Governmental Stakeholders:

  • Civil Society Organizations (CSOs):

    • The Climate Neutral Group facilitates the offsetting of 200,000 tons of CO_2 in 2022.

  • Transnational Corporations (TNCs):

    • Unilever pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2039 and invested €1 billion in sustainable projects.

  • Actions of Citizens:

    • Over 1,500 green roofs have been installed.
    • Citizen-led initiatives, such as the "Rotterdam Climate Proof" engage residents in climate adaptation projects.
    • Over 5,000 trees were adopted in 2022 through the "Adopt a Tree" campaign.

  • Transnational Corporations (TNCs):

    • Shell allocated €2 billion for its "New Energies" division.

F. Critique: Areas for Improvement

• Infrastructure Vulnerability:

  • Only 30% of critical infrastructure has been adapted to withstand climate change impacts as of 2023.

• Inequality in Adaptation:

  • Rotterdam has a 10.9% poverty rate.
  • Vulnerable communities experience a higher incidence of heat stress.
  • There is a significant "opportunity gap" between different regions and neighborhoods.
  • Relatively low participation of non-Western minorities in higher education.

• Carbon Emission Reduction Gaps:

  • In 2022, the city achieved a 20% reduction in carbon emissions, below the target of 25%.

• Limited Green Space Expansion:

  • Rotterdam falls short of its target to increase green areas by 10% by 2030, with only 5% achieved as of 2023.

• Dependency on Traditional Industries:

  • In 2022, the petrochemical sector accounted for 25% of the city's industrial output.

• Limited Public Transport Electrification:

  • As of 2023, only 15% of the city's public bus fleet is electric, falling short of the target to achieve 50% electrification by 2025.

• Educational Gaps:

  • A 2022 survey revealed that 30% of Rotterdam's youth lacked adequate knowledge about climate change.

• Water Management in Urban Areas:

  • In 2023, flooding incidents increased by 15%.

• Adaptation Finance Allocation:

  • Only 10% of the fund is directed towards grassroots climate projects.

• Cross-Sectoral Collaboration Challenges:

  • In 2022, only 20% of businesses actively participated in climate resilience projects.