Monday, March 31, 2014

Let's Go Dutch

When life gives you higher sea levels, make the most of it (sink or swim?);
 "We shouldn't see water as a danger, but as a chance, as a challenge."
And they've been up to every challenge the water has given them for centuries.
"Leven met water" reflects the new strategy in civil planning in the Netherlands. A major shift is taking place, away from working against increasing water, and instead trying to work with it. Marshes formerly dyked are being re-flooded, defunct canals are being brought back into use and catchment lakes are being built. In other places, some rivers are being dug deeper, and dykes are being moved away from the river's edge.
 Necessity, the mother of floating homes.
The Netherlands' efforts in combating rising water levels are starting to attract attention worldwide, too. Delegates from Thailand, Vietnam, Australia and the United States have all visited the country recently to meet with Dutch civil engineers, to discuss methods to alleviate problems caused by rising water levels.
What's' sad is that this is news. Human adaptability has been going on for eons, and will continue to do so.

No comments:

Post a Comment