The project aims to establish a virtual data centre. Scientific results created by the projects in this programme will be made available through this virtual data centre in the form of data products. Access to the virtual data centre and distribution of these data products will be via the internet; the virtual data centre will act as a one-stop-shop service.
In 2005 a situational analysis involving interviews and a website survey was carried out to examine the extent to which diverse parties communicate about climate change, and the additional benefits that the CcSP can offer in this respect. The goal of the situational analysis was to substantiate the choice of new communication projects within the communication strategy. Two communication arenas were identified: science—national policy and science—operational implementation of climate policy. The CcSP programme has been successful in the first arena, but still has much work to do in the second arena; the follow-up programme addresses this second aspect (second phase of the communication track). The results of the situational analysis have been integrated into a publication strategy and will be incorporated into the activities of the Network Officer (COM4).
COM3 - Platform Communication on Climate Change (PCCC)
MNP
CCB Wageningen UR
ECN
VU University Amsterdam / CCVUA
Utrecht University
NWO
Description
The PCCC is a scientific platform that aims to strengthen collaboration between research institutes on communicating the science of climate change to the public. It supports discussions about the role of science in the public and policy domain (self-reflection) and scientific debate about controversial issues surrounding climate change. The platform makes brochures and hosts the website www.klimaatportaal.nl to inform society about the scientific basis of climate change.
The Programme Office is an important body for the day-to-day communication between relevant individuals and the members of the consortium. The Programme Office organises workshops and symposia with a view to enhancing cooperation between the parties involved.
This project is an important component in achieving our communication and knowledge dissemination goals. The aim is to involve regional governments and the business community more closely in CcSP research through dialogue and the articulation of research questions through participative methods.
The current CcSP website (www.klimaatvoorruimte.nl) will be restructured, brought up to date and maintained. An English mirror site will be developed and possibilities for expanding the site with interactive elements will be explored. An important part of the project will be the marketing of the site. The project will be pursued in close cooperation with COM3 (climate portal); the target group of the portal is the general public, whereas the CcSP website is aimed at policy makers (regional and national) and the CcSP consortium.
Foundation for Sustainable Development
Wageningen UR, Environmental Systems Analysis Group
Dutch Butterfly Conservation
Description
Natures Calendar is an ecological monitoring programme based on observations from approximately 5000 volunteers. The goal of this project is three-fold. First of all, Natures Calendar is an important tool for raising awareness about climate change among a broad audience in an interactive process. Second, it supports scientific research by delivering a large volunteer network that is able to make ecological observations. Third, Natures Calendar develops modules to implement phenological observations and models in the practice of health services, agriculture and (public) gardening. It is an innovative approach in which ecological research is combined with several communication tools, such as the internet (www.natuurkalender.nl), radio broadcasts (every Sunday on national radio), Nature Pubs for Children and educational work packages. In 2004 and 2005 about 200 national and regional newspaper articles were written about Natures Calendar and 30 TV programmes covered this CcSP communication project.
Utrecht University
VU University Amsterdam
Wageningen UR
Description
About 40 to 50 PhD positions have been initiated by the CcSP programme. Given the multidisciplinary character of the research programme it is important that this group of young researchers are able to follow tailored high- quality training programmes, with contributions by international experts (summer schools). These summer schools are also open to people from outside the Netherlands. An important secondary objective is that PhD researchers learn to work in multidisciplinary groups and gain experience with writing multi-authored papers and reports.
COM8 - The National Climate Change Quiz (Television programme)
Project leader
M. van der Meer (NWO)
Status
Finished (2005)
Description
A two-hour television programme on climate change aimed at the general public, including short films explaining the science of climate change.
COM9 - Special issue of Change Magazine
Project leader
B. Schoenmaeckers (Synergos Communicatie)
Status
Finished (2005)
Description
Even in the internet age there is still a place for the printed word. CcSP does not have its own magazine, but makes strategic alliances with other partners to produce magazines tailored to each specific target group. The function of special issues devoted to climate is to create a bond with members of a particular professional community, to keep them informed of the latest news and to present information in a less transient format than a website.
COM11 - Deltas in times of climate change
Project leader
Dr R. Janssen (VU University Amsterdam, Institute of Environmental Studies (IVM))
Status
Finished (2006)
Consortium
World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
International Association of Dredging Companies (IADC)
Bureau Stroming
VU University Amsterdam, IVM
with assistance from TU Delft
Description
The deltas of the world are being affected by climate change. Rising sea levels, more storms, fluctuating river discharges, and more extreme events such as flooding and drought can all be expected. These changes will disrupt the natural processes in the deltas and the lives of the people who live there. The goal of the study is to gain insight into the potential of soft interventions that can respond flexibly to change as an alternative to the harder measures in the form of dams, dikes and flood defences.
dr. C. Kroeze (Wageningen UR, Environmental Sciences Department Environmental Systems Analysis Group)
Status
Current project (2006-2009)
Consortium
Wageningen University, Environmental Systems Analysis / SENSE Research School for Socio-Economic and Natural Sciences of the Environment
VU University Amsterdam, Institute of Environmental Studies
Description
Three international summer schools will be held for PhD students:
1. Understanding Global Environmental Change, providing an overview of the key processes in the climate system for PhD students from the natural sciences
2. Earth System Governance, providing an overview of the subject matter relevant for policies for the earth system for PhD students from the social sciences. Besides policy aspects, attention is given to the economics/environmental economics of adaptation and mitigation
3. Integrated Assessment of Global Environmental Change, integrating natural sciences and social sciences through the study of the causes and possible responses and practical training in making an Integrated Assessment. defences.
Climate change is an urgent social issue. Young people in particular will have to deal with the consequences. With an eye to their future, we must act now, both to avert the effects of climate change as much as possible and to adapt to the consequences. A good way of reaching out to young people is through the education system.
The expected results are:
1. Teaching materials, partly linked to research programmes and relevant to local climate policies
2. A website
3. Local partnerships between government authorities, schools and research institutes on the themes of climate change, adaptation and mitigation.
For adaptation policy on a local scale, one needs to know what climate change effects could occur, and to what consequences these changes can lead. These consequences can differ enormously, even locally. Local governments usually aren’t aware of the need of adaptation. The knowledge on how to adapt usually only extends to water management. What kind of problems, opportunities and risks will local governments face, who is responsible and what is the direction local governments and provinces have to go? An adaptation scan can answer these questions. The project has three goals:
To develop an adaptation scan for local government, which can be applied on a provincial level. The scan also provides options to counter negative effects of climate change and make use of opportunities to develop new projects. The adaptation scan is a supplement to already existing tools that have proven their value, like the sustainable-energy scan and the climate scan
To start a Community of Practice (CoP Climate) where pioneers, opinion leaders and project leaders in the field of climate adaptation can meet one another. The CoP will be an active, content-driven meeting, so that processes of engagement, social learning and innovative development of knowledge will take place. The results of working in the CoP will give an extra impulse to the adaptation scan and to the already present nation wide adaptation projects
To realise a platform of knowledge that will communicate information about the adaptation scan to involved organisations and individuals.
In the future of this project the working methods will be compared and tuned in with the project COM21 Klimaatschetsboeken and with other KvR-projects.
The goal of the BSiK program is to create a platform of knowledge, where the developed knowledge will be applied. It is essential to promote mutual dialogue between science and actual application of this knowledge in research projects. The approach is to realise this mutual dialogue in projects, where this has not been done sufficiently. A second goal is to make a broad audience, the public and various institutions, aware of the effects of climate change and the urgency and opportunities of adaptation. A third goal is to promote the communication and sharing of knowledge between the various research projects. The project wants to realise these goals by:
Organising debates where supply and demand meet one another. These debates will contain a certain theme, for example climate scenario’s, environment and climate in the city. These debates can lead to adjustments in the current research projects or start new ones
Stimulating dialogue in the projects
Transferring and sharing knowledge. In cooperation with the research projects it is decided to who and in what medium certain knowledge is offered to interested parties. This transfer can be done via symposia, masterclasses, Communities of Practice, etc
Publications in (semi) scientific journals and popular magazines
A knowledge platform on a website. A database with scientific articles and interactive functions can be of assistance is bringing science and practice together. A pilot will be started with one of the projects
Applying existing knowledge in current issues by slightly altering the knowledge from research projects.
The project ‘Noord, Zuid, Zoet, Zout’ (North, South, Fresh, Salt) came to the conclusion that Dutch nature will also have to adapt to climate change. Starting from this conclusion, a vision had been developed on nature’s place in climate change and adaptation. A central element in this vision is that nature is capable of changing in response to climate change, but this requires climate buffers. Climate buffers are spatial adaptations in conservation areas for the revitalisation of natural processes that are capable of d eveloping at the same pace as climate change; they also allow for potential housing, employment and recreational uses.
Animation films on television and internet will be used to stimulate the target groups to think more about climate change, adaptation to its consequences and the role of climate buffers.
Alterra Wageningen UR, KNMI, VU University Amsterdam, Province Zuid-Holland, Province Utrecht, Province Gelderland, Province Noord-Brabant, Province Drenthe, Province Groningen, Province Noord-Holland
Description
In 2006 climate change and adaptation to climate change have become important issues for provinces in the Netherlands. The provinces offered the national government to evaluate if their plans are climate proof. In addition to that, a lot of provinces are preparing a new land use policy plan, based on the new guideline of spatial arrangement. The provinces Zuid-Holland, Gelderland and Utrecht want to involve adaptation to climate change in their policy planning process. The provinces Noord-Brabant, Drenthe and Groningen pursue the same approach. This project aims to visualise (klimaateffectschetsboeken: climate effect rapport) and describe important effects of climate change.
These rapports will be based on a first generation geodatabase where climate change effects on a national and long term scale can be linked to national and regional geodata. By placing the first generation geodatabase parallel to and in behalf of the provincial discussion on adaptation policy a clear demand on composition and use of a to be developed database will be formed.
Developing the rapports can be looked at as a defining and scouting fase in a longer running project. A result could be that several provinces develop one rapport based on the database. These rapports can also be an input in the adaptation scan and spatial assessment, when it has a nation wide consistent substantiation of geodata.
In the Netherlands an increase in temperature in combination with heat waves will lead to major health issues and loss of comfort and productivity. Especially cities will be affected by this problem, due to the so called ‘urban heat island effect’. A heat wave can cause an increase in temperature of up to 7 degrees Celcius when compared to the countryside. The research focuses on spatial and architectural design parameters to reduce heat in the city and in houses. Previous research was primarily focused on building-related factors, but not on spatial planning specified to the subject of urban heat island effect.
The study has two goals. One is to formulate research questions and assemble a research team for a scientific follow-up project concerning heat in the city. Second is to formulate a set of practically applicable rules of thumb for the construction sector to counter heat problems in the city.
Grontmij, Witteveen+Bos, Deltares, TU Delft, SBR, Sterk Consulting
With support from Ministry V&W-DG Water and Programme Leven met Water (bridge project)
Description
Water stress will be one of the visible consequences of climate change in the (non-) urban areas. Meanwhile the Netherlands are facing an increasing demand of houses and rural areas. The ministry of VROM (housing, spatial planning and environment) expects a demand of 700.000 new houses by the year of 2015. Rural areas will need extra 42.000 acres of land. All this demand will have to take water stress into account. The central question of this definition study is: ‘how can we shape, organise and manage our environment, so that it can cope with the threat of water stress?’
WL Delft Hydraulics, KIWA, VU University Amsterdam - IVM, Alterra Wageningen UR, Staatsbosbeheer, Rijkswaterstaat Directie Zuid-Holland, Province Zuid-Holland, Dordrecht Municipality
Description
In preparation of several scientific studies concerning the programs ‘Kennis voor Klimaat’ and ‘Klimaat voor Ruimte’ a definition study will be done with the area called Biesbosch as primary focus. The Biesbosch is an area with relatively much space and few inhabitants: The area primarily consists of nature reserve (freshwater tidal marsh) and agriculture. These are characteristics that could be used to develop an area which is used as a spatial climate buffer.
In this relatively short literature definition study a report will be made wherein the problems and opportunities of the regional development of the Biesbosch are summarized. This report will be used to interview the current users of Biesbosch area. The key is that the effects of climate change are a chance instead of a threat. An inventory will be drawn up about what stakeholder will suffer what consequences, whether these consequences are taken into account and what autonomic developments will affect their sector. Based on the gathered information, questions will arise, who can be part of a researching agenda of Klimaat voor Ruimte and Kennis voor Klimaat.
Bridge project with the programmes Leven met Water and Habiforum, Deltares, Novio Consult, MNP
Description
The programs Leven met Water, Habiforum and Klimaat voor Ruimte have decided to start a definition study about the possibilities, desire and shape of a decision making framework of climate and spatial planning. This framework would enable directors on all levels of government to take climate change in optimal account as to make climate proof spatial policy plans and investments. This definition study is a first step into constructing such a framework.
The framework is designed to judge spatial policy plans and projects on their contribution to a climate proof environment. This will be done with existing spatial distribution and policy plans for the future.
The definition study can be split into several parts:
Defining the scope
Defining the administrative and legal working framework. What is possible, what is not?
Defining elements for an assessment framework. The study does not give the framework itself, but clearly states which elements are involved up to what level
The project ‘Klimaatdata’ (Climate Data) has the goal to make climate data from the KNMI (dutch meteorological institute) available for professional users and partners in the projects of Klimaat voor Ruimte. The structure wherein the data is available has to be a valuable and an easy-to-use source for future programms, like Kennis voor Klimaat and some general other users.
WUR Meteorology and Air Quality Group, WUR Earth System Sciences and Climate Change Group, WUR Alterra
Description
Urban climatology has been studied for decennia in many countries. Particularly, the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect has been studied extensively; less scientific information is available on the influence of extreme weather events on the water budget (water shortage, excess) in urban areas. Until shortly, urban climatology was not an issue in the Netherlands and consequently, the Netherlands lacks knowledge on this area. So far, we depend on international scientific information and on information of local and regional practices. Making this information available and fit for analyses and getting access to international scientific networks is the first aim of the present project. In addition, the performance of existing models for simulating urban climate will be studied. An important question is: Can these models be easily adapted and parameterized for Dutch climatic conditions and urban morphology? Besides a direct impact on human health, aerosol particles in the atmosphere affect climate in the urban environment by an effect on the radiation balance and cloud formation.
