Intervention Points Analysis

The intervention points analysis is a method that provides insight into the volume of change that a system, such as a sewer, can handle in the event of climate change. It thus helps weigh the pros and cons of adaptation measures.

What can it do?

An intervention points analysis enables you to determine when a system has reached its limits, and consequently when future changes become critical. The analysis also shows whether envisaged measures are adequate. The intervention points analysis shows the weaknesses in current policy and management under a more extreme climate. For example, an intervention points approach can be used to analyse the resilience (and the management) of the existing sewer system in combination with the surface water in a neighbourhood, and show how much climate change this system can handle. Various climate scenarios visualise when the system will reach its intervention point according to a particular scenario.

The intervention point of a sewer system is the moment at which the sewer can no longer cope with a particular downpour, resulting in pluvial flooding or damage. On this basis, the authorities can consider whether action is called for and if so, which measures and investments are feasible. These measures can be entered into the model, whereupon the intervention points approach can once more be used to analyse the extent to which the measures will climate-proof the water system. The interesting feature about the intervention points analysis is that it does not so much use (uncertain) climate change as its point of departure, but rather the existing system and its resilience. It is thus a method that befits the rhythm of urban innovations.

What information can I find in the intervention points analysis?

A guide outlining the instrument explains in a few steps how an intervention points analysis is conducted, from defining the policy themes to selecting the proper criteria and indicators, up to and including determining the intervention points. The guide also features examples of applications, and provides a perspective of how an intervention points analysis of measures can be used to construct adaptation paths.

Example: Climate adaptation in restructuring project – Intervention points analysis in Wielwijk (pdf, 729 kB)

Download the Guide to intervention points analysis (pdf, 575 kB)