Climate adaptation: how to start and maintain the transition that is needed

Content of this webinar

The first speaker is Neelke Doorn, Professor Ethics of water engineering at TU Delft. Implementing climate adaptation raises ethical issues. Among other things, Neelke will discuss the conflicting interests. What if a measure in one location negatively affects a measure at another location? For example, consider measures needed for water safety, which can have opposite effects on natural values or water availability. The second aspect Neelke will focus on is the role of citizens in shaping climate adaptation in the urban environment. Is everyone equally equipped for this?

Former Commander of the Armed Forces Tom Middendorp focuses on the intersection of climate and security. He does this from his position at the Clingendael Institute and as president of the International Military Council on Climate and Security. Tom will outline four enormous interrelated challenges we face: global population growth, resource shortages, geopolitical shifts and climate change. Drawing from his years of strategic experience, he will address how we will need to work together internationally, nationally, regionally and locally to tackle all of these challenges. He will do this using several inspiring examples. In his talk, it will become clear that we have an important task to share our knowledge globally. But also that we need to keep an open mind when it comes to innovations.

For example, the photo above shows the testing of an innovation to produce water in the desert using solar energy. This innovation has grown into a full-fledged product that was also demonstrated at the World Expo in Dubai. Such innovations make it possible to make fragile regions more self-sufficient in drinking water supply and prevent all kinds of insecurity from arising. From Defense, Tom Middendorp supported this initiative where Defense served as an operational platform for innovation.