What are the effects of climate change?

The climate is changing very rapidly: all over the world, temperatures are rising fast and the climate is growing increasingly more extreme. The changes occur at such a rapid pace that the Earth’s eco systems cannot keep up. Climate change is impacting Nature and humanity. What are the main worldwide consequences? And what are the consequences for the Netherlands?

What are important worldwide effects?

Climate change is a worldwide problem. The climate is changing everywhere, and everyone will be noticing the effects. However, large regional differences can be observed: the pace at which the climate is changing differs, and in some areas, the impact is more severe. Poorer countries tend to be most vulnerable to climate change. Many such countries lack the money and the technology to adapt to the changing climate. Additionally painful in this respect is the fact that rich countries are the main causes of climate change, as they are responsible for the bulk of greenhouse gas emissions.

Important worldwide effects are:

• The rising sea level will cause more flooding. Densely populated coastal areas and river deltas in low-income countries are especially vulnerable. Furthermore, tiny islands in the Pacific Ocean, such as Tuvalu, run the risk of entirely disappearing below sea level.
• In some parts of the world, a drier climate will cause drinking water and food shortages, resulting in famine, starvation, and dehydration.
• As a result of the rapid changes in the climate, animal and plant species are threatened with extinction, which jeopardises biodiversity. According to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), one third of all plant and animal species are at risk of becoming extinct within a century. The effects are also noticeable in the Netherlands: according to WWF, our wildlife populations have halved since 1990.
• The increase in CO₂ is acidifying the ocean, which may cause coral reef death. As coral reefs are important fish habitats, fish populations may decrease. This will also impact fisheries.
• The probability of forest fires is growing, and deserts are expanding. Increasingly more people are forced to leave areas that have become uninhabitable. This is exacerbated by drinking water and food shortages ensuing from increasing droughts. People fleeing their homes due to changes in the climate are referred to as “climate refugees”.

What are the consequences for the Netherlands?

Climate change is resulting in more extreme weather, which may cause nuisance or damage. The paragraphs below provide more details on the changes in Dutch weather. They also explain how the impact may differ from one region and sector to the next.

How is Dutch weather changing?

As a result of climate change, the Netherlands is being faced with more extreme weather events. Specifically, this means that the probability of drought, heat, waterlogging, and flooding is increasing:

• Extreme precipitation can lead to waterlogging. Torrential rain may render roads impassable and drive rainwater into buildings. In the event of prolonged precipitation, the soil will become saturated with water. Farm areas may become submerged, and groundwater levels may rise excessively. More information on waterlogging is provided in the Knowledge Dossier on Waterlogging.
• Prolonged periods of dry or warm weather may lead to water shortages. This can be referred to as drought. Drought may cause crop failure and adds to the probability of soil subsidence. Furthermore, nature reserves may dehydrate, which increases the risk of wildfires. More information on the impact of drought is provided in the Knowledge Dossier on Drought.
• Heat can cause heat stress, which may lead to health problems. Furthermore, heat can adversely affect labour productivity, e.g., due to disturbed sleep. In addition, heat can cause trouble or damage to infrastructure, such as melting asphalt and moveable bridges that will no longer open. More information on the impact of heat is provided in the Knowledge Dossier on Heat.
• Urban flooding may cause damage to buildings and infrastructure, and even result in death and injury. Furthermore, such essential utilities as drinking water, electricity, and telecom facilities may sustain damage and fail. More information on the consequences of urban flooding is provided in the Knowledge Dossier on Flooding.

How do the effects differ from one area to the next?

As the Netherlands comprises various landscapes, the effects of climate change differ from one area to the next. For example, areas with elevated sandy soils run a high risk of drought: the sandy soil is prone to dehydration, whilst water supply is rather cumbersome. On the other hand, such areas are less vulnerable to waterlogging, as rainwater can easily seep into the soil. Other parts of the Netherlands are composed of, e.g., lower-lying clay and peat soil. As such soils absorb little water, they run a high risk of waterlogging. Furthermore, in such areas, drought may lead to additional soil subsidence. The Basic Map of the Natural System in the Climate Impact Atlas divides the Netherlands into natural landscape types, such as river areas, coastal dunes, and peat moors. For each type of landscape, the map reflects the climate threats and the opportunities for climate adaptation.

What are the consequences for the various sectors?

In several sectors, climate change can cause trouble or damage. Climate change has major consequences for public health, safety, and the economy. Refraining from taking action will pose risks to all the sectors. Cases in point are the changes in the natural composition of species, the additional damage to crops, and the effect on public health due to increasing allergies. The conceptual diagrams of the National Adaptation Strategy (NAS) provide an overview of the consequences for the various sectors. A conceptual diagram is available for each climate trend: it is becoming warmer, it is becoming wetter, it is becoming drier, and the sea level is rising. Furthermore, there is a conceptual diagram for each sector. The NAS Adaptation Tool can be used to compile your own conceptual diagram.