Client: Rijkswaterstaat Nederland (Dutch National Water Authority)
Date: July – October 2024
Location: The Netherlands
The Netherlands is internationally recognised as a leader in climate adaptation, particularly in water management and innovation. With accelerating changes in climate and weather patterns, the Dutch want to be better prepared for extreme rainfall, drought, rising sea levels, salinisation, and related challenges. Other nations face similar issues. To avoid duplication of effort, Rijkswaterstaat seeks to learn from regions already experiencing the climate the Netherlands will face in the future, as well as from organisations and experts with relevant knowledge and practical solutions. In return, Rijkswaterstaat offers a broad range of expertise and innovations. Bax supported this effort by mapping Rijkswaterstaat’s international climate adaptation activities, identifying key strategic relations, and pinpointing future areas of focus.
Challenge
The Netherlands is already experiencing climate-related impacts on its road infrastructure, waterways, and ports, resulting in increased attention and rising costs. Anticipated future effects will require new approaches to the design, development, construction, and maintenance of highways, bridges, and other civil engineering structures. While Rijkswaterstaat is actively involved in many international climate adaptation programmes and initiatives, it aims to enhance its learning and collaboration with countries and institutions currently facing the climate conditions the Netherlands expects in 20 to 30 years.
Approach
Bax supported Rijkswaterstaat’s Climate Adaptation Strategy team by providing structured insight into current priorities, activities, strategic partners, and blind spots. The work was focused on three priorities:
- Flood risk on the primary road network and main water systems
- The impact of low water levels and drought on freshwater supply and inland shipping
- The impact of heat stress and drought on water quality and biodiversity
A team of three consultants analysed Rijkswaterstaat’s current involvement in international climate adaptation programmes, projects, and boards through desk research and employee interviews. The findings were presented, verified, and validated during the first ‘International adaptation drinks’.
Impact
This work has enabled the Climate Adaptation Strategy Team to more effectively allocate limited resources to the most urgent topics and the most interesting potential partners.
