Page 10 - ING-Waterproblematiek Report

<< summary

As many as 600 million people need better
flood protection

Vulnerability of coastal zones Examples
Over the past three decades more than 2.8 billion people
globally have been affected by floods and the statistics are
expected to deteriorate as a result of climate change.
Businesses have long been drawn to coastal areas as they
provide resources and trading opportunities. Populations
and economic activities in these costal zones are most
vulnerable to flooding and house around 600 million people
in need of better flood protection. If this is not provided,
a swelling flow of environmental refugees will emerge,
seeking shelter elsewhere in the country or even in other
countries. Climate adaptation measures are therefore
expected to increase in flood-prone cities around the world.

Population living at low elevation coastal zones
(million people and share in urban areas)

Region Population Urbanisation Photo: www.kuiper.nl
(million) (share living in
Jakarta The Netherlands
Africa 56 urban areas) Jakarta is sinking at an alarming rate of 7.5 (and some About 60% of the Netherlands lies beneath sea-level, the
Asia 466 parts even 14) centimetres per year. Without intervention lowest village at a depth of 6.76 metres. Flood protection
Europe 55% large parts of the city, housing four and a half million is of vital importance and the Dutch are renowned for it.
Latin America 50 51% people, will be submerged by the sea. To address the The main strategies from the 2015 Deltaplan are:
Australia & New Zealand 29 80% sinking of Jakarta the government completed the • Raising and widening of dykes and dunes;
North America 79% National Capital Integrated Coastal Development master • Making room for rivers so they can overflow in
Small Island States 3 100% plan in November 2014. The plan consists of a broad set
World 24 88% of measures including strengthening and raising the controlled areas;
87% existing sea wall and in the long term the creation of an • Strengthen water storage capacities of cities;
8 57% outer sea wall defence in the form of the Great Garuda, • Create water overflows, for example from rivers to
634 the National symbol of Indonesia.
Source: IIED. lakes and from lakes to the sea;
• Protect vital infrastructure.

ING Economics Department 10 Too little, too much / December 2015