About LIFE UrbanAdapt

LIFE Urban Adapt is working on:

An increased risk of flooding due to intensive rainfall and rising sea water levels.
Elevated temperatures caused by the urban heat island effect (UHI).
Damage to flora and fauna on land and in water.

ROTTERDAM

Our climate is changing. As a world port city in the Dutch delta, Rotterdam will notice the effects of this. The sea level is rising, which will eventually have consequences for the safety of our dykes. River discharges will become more extreme, increasing the risk of flooding and thus increasing the risk of casualties and (economic) damage. Very intensive rain showers will also occur more often, which the current sewer system can no longer handle and that will lead to water on the streets and other nuisances. At the same time, the chance of prolonged periods of drought and heat increases, which can affect the liveability of the city.
Rotterdam is a forerunner in the field of climate adaptation and in 2001 was the first major European city with an EU-approved climate strategy. The elaboration of this strategy is already visible in several small-scale public locations, such as the water squares.
From 2013, the Rotterdam Adaptation Strategy (RAS) will chart the course along which we will adapt to climate change. Implementation of measures in the city is progressing steadily, but in order to make great strides, climate adaptation must be integrated on a larger scale. This requires commitment not only from the municipality, but also from residents, companies and other social organisations.

EU & CLIMATE CHANGE

To protect the European economy and society from the negative effects of climate change, the EU is looking for sustainable solutions that can contribute to this. That is why the importance of urban adaptation strategies is high on the European policy agenda. Rotterdam is known as a front runner in the field of climate adaptation and was the first major European city with an established adaptation strategy. This complex process requires good cooperation with all relevant stakeholders, where mutual interests are sought and found to implement effective climate adaptation measures together. LIFE Urban Adapt wants to show the potential of this participatory approach for implementing urban climate adaptation strategies and measures. Click here for more information about the European LIFE program.

News

Work on the Vijverhofstraat sewer has started

October 30, 2020

The work in the Vijverhofstraat has started. The sewage system will be replaced and a rainwater sewer and a water storage system will also be installed. Better water management in the Agniesebuurt The Agniesebuurt was struggling with a groundwater problem. To tackle this for the entire district, a plan has been developed for better water management. The sewage system is being replaced and…

How is the work going on at Heliport?

October 7, 2020

Work started at Heliport this summer. The site will be given a green makeover, there will be more play space and a water storage facility. The work is in full swing. View an impression below.

Video: first street with sustainable water houses in the Nassauhaven

9 July 2020

The first street with sustainable water houses is a fact! On July 8, another six new harbor lofts were towed to the Nassau harbor. In April, the first six harbor lofts were towed to the harbor. In total there will be 18 harbor lofts. The last homes are expected at the end of 2020. The water houses are sustainable and move with them…

watch the video

Construction of green inner courtyard Heliport has started

18 May 2020

On May 18, 2020, the construction of a green courtyard in Heliport has started. Not only will the site be given a green makeover, there will also be more play space and a water storage facility. The work will be combined with work already planned: the replacement of the sewerage system in the district. The downspouts in the courtyard are also disconnected from the…

MONITOR: online meeting with NEEMO / LIFE

16 May 2020

The progress of Life Urban Adapt was presented online on Friday 15 May. Due to the corona pandemic, NEEMO's annual visit to the project locations was unfortunately cancelled. With this online meeting, NEEMO and the partners were updated about current projects, including the construction of a green courtyard with playground and water storage in Heliport and…

First floating homes in Nassauhaven

April 15, 2020

On 15 April, six Havenlofts were placed in the Nassauhaven. These are the first six water houses of the eighteen that will be in the Nassauhaven in total this year. The floating houses in the harbor are extra special because they move with the ebb and flow. That means a difference of 1.5 to 2 meters twice a day….