Climate stress test light, Noordoost-Brabant region

Results

The stress test showed that the Noordoost Brabant region is vulnerable with respect to river flooding, pluvial flooding, drought, and heat. It was noted that the problem of pluvial flooding for the built-up urban area cannot be clearly defined with current knowledge. The other climate issues also require further study.

Map: the number of nights that the temperature in 2050 will remain above 20 °C compared with the current climate (based on climate scenarios of the KNMI).

Climate-proofing the area requires an integral area-wide approach. Climate-adaptive measures must also be linked to other processes, programmes and projects, such as visions for the area, infrastructure, reorganisation and renovation, spatial planning redesign, and water supply. The following possible links are named:

• Buffer farmers project;
• “Go Nuts” project (part of the Agro As de Peel area tasking);
• The other 10 integral area taskings, as part of the green-blue programme.

As recommended, the next step involves three separate tracks:

• Initiate implementation quickly, focus on “low-hanging fruit”. Concrete results motivate. This could involve addressing current bottlenecks or a combination with current projects, such as climate-resilient Land van Cuijk domain, Delta Plan for Elevated Sandy Grounds, or connecting up with projects that were not launched with the climate or water in mind (e.g., focused on health) and generally integrating climate-adaptive measures into the redesign of public areas.
• Increase insight into the effects of climate change, particularly with respect to heat stress, drought, and pluvial flooding in the built-up urban area (rainwater, surface water, and groundwater). This will also contribute to raising awareness. Conduct research in the short term. Approach this integrally within the framework of public health and the quality of life.
• Develop a communication/participation strategy. Concentrate on the story that must be told, so that climate adaptation can be securely embedded in other (social) themes, such as health, recreation, comfort, agri-food, etc. Share knowledge with the stakeholders (perhaps more widely) and let them participate in the discussion on ambition and implementation strategy. Because the implementation of the “climate strategy” is a joint action of governments, businesses, residents and institutions of knowledge, it is important for these parties to fully participate in the development of ambition. This will enable the ambition to be seen as their “own” product. Use the administrative platform of sustainable living environment (under AgriFood Capital) as the administrative guarantee of the follow-up project.

Contact person

For more information on this project, visit the website of AgriFood Capital and/or contact:

Liesbeth de Theije
+31(0)6-13 20 52 21
l.detheije@agrifoodcapital.nl