Deltas in Times of Climate Change Conference: Openingspeech by Prince of Orange
Geschreven op 28-8-2010 - Erik van Erne. Geplaatst in Water
Deltas are the centre of economic and cultural activity, and home to more than half of the world’s population. Yet, climate change poses severe challenges for deltas. As land subsides, sea levels rise, and populations grow, deltas and their cities are becoming more vulnerable.
Increased incidence of floods and droughts, salt water intrusion and heatwaves threaten the economic vitality and attractiveness of deltas worldwide. Adaptation to climate change has become an imperative. This calls for cooperation of deltas worldwide.
His Royal Highness the Prince of Orange, who is very much engaged in water management and climate change, will give the opening speech at the conference. Also speaking at the opening session will be: Michael Oppenheimer (Princeton University), Ahmed Aboutaleb (Mayor of Rotterdam), Martin Parry (IPCC) and Malcolm Smith (ARUP).
At the conference in Rotterdam researchers will exchange the latest scientific insights on topics such as flood risk management, salt water intrusion and governance. In addition, sessions will be organised by and for policy makers, senior political officials, the business community and practitioners. Panels of leading figures from the political and business communities will discuss subjects such as international cooperation and financing mechanisms for adaptation.
The conference is all about: Exchange of up-to-date top science on climate change and delta planning. Discussions in parallel sessions will focus on themes such as: flood risk management, salt water intrusion and fresh water supply, climate in urban areas, health, governance and economics. Strengthening of international cooperation between deltas and delta cities. By building networks such as Connecting Delta Cities and the Delta Alliance powerful platforms can be developed to share knowledge and experience and draw attention to the needs of deltas under climate change. Exploring and strengthening the links between science, policy and practitioners. Bridging the gap between science and practice is a prerogative for climate proofing deltas. Cooperative efforts between scientists and practitioners can foster innovations.
The Deltas in Times of Climate Change Conference from 29 September – 1 October 2010 is hosted by two Dutch Research Programmes, Climate changes Spatial Planning and Knowledge for Climate, and the City of Rotterdam. It is supported by C40 Large Cities Climate Leadership Group (a group of the world’s largest cities committed to tackling climate change) and the Co-operative Programme on Water and Climate (CPWC).
