Document Type
Research Project
Publication Date
Fall 9-25-2025
Abstract
Current scientific research rings the warning bell: almost half of the human population experiences severe water scarcity at least half of each year, with climate-driven changes intensifying droughts, floods, and groundwater depletion. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) determines that water risks will rise rapidly with every degree of global warming (Caretta et al., 2022). The Global Commission on Adaptation argues that adaptation inaction can have astronomical economic and human expenses, while investment in water adaptation can produce high benefit-cost ratios and trillions in global net benefits (Global Commission on Adaptation, 2019). Article 7.1 of the Paris Agreement frames adaptation as our ability to adapt to impacts, develop resilience, and reduce climate change vulnerabilities (UNFCCC, 2018). In this regard, the Sharm El-Sheikh Adaptation Agenda (SAA) placed water security, flood resilience, and drought resilience at the forefront (Sharm El-Sheikh Adaptation Agenda, 2024). As one of the five pillars of the UNFCCC, adaptation will be a priority issue for debate in COP30 in Belem, Brazil (COP30 Brazil, 2025). This literature review examines how the Netherlands, a country exposed to flood risk and sea-level rise, has developed innovative water management systems aligned with the UNFCCC adaptation agenda. Through an analysis of the Room for Rivers Programme, the 2021 Limburg flood lessons, and the Sea-Level Rise Knowledge Programme, we see how long-term planning can enhance adaptation efforts under the National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), GGA, and SAA.
Recommended Citation
Fortin, Aleesha Mae Pasion, "Adaptation Driven by Crisis: Leveraging Flood Risks and Policy Learning to Transform Netherlands’ Water Management Systems" (2025). COP30. 33.
https://buescholar.bue.edu.eg/cop30/33