Rotterdam Wraps Itself Waterproof

Rotterdam is a city in a tight spot when it comes to climate change.It sits next to the sea while 85% of the city lies below the sea level. Its giant storm barrier is designed to protect the city until at least 2050. But climate change is making it hard to feet keep dry.

Johan: “With climate change more intense rainfall really puts the stress on our city..”

For more than a decade the entire city is being turned into a sponge. Ten water so-called squares collect rain water from houses and streets into temporary pools.
City’s roofs and paved areas have been converted into smart urban gardens.
These gardens can store over 100 litres of water per each square metre. An area the size of 30 football fields has been converted and is set to quadruple in next eight years.

The city’s water protection department is already planning for 2060.The Netherlands invests $1.2 billion a year for its water daptation plan.

It is expected that coastal cities will have to spend one trillion dollars annually to cope with costs of fooding.
Europe is set to experience up to 35% more intense rainstorms in this century. (European Environment Agency)

Floods could become annual problem for 5 million Europeans. (European Environment Agency). Rising sea level means coastal flood damage could rise at least 10-fold by the end of the century (IPCSS).

The European Union is drafting a new game-changing climate law. That will change the rules when it comes to carbon pricing, energy, cars and food.

Pascal Canfin, MEP: “Now we are going to act. So that's why this time is different.”
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