The adaptation pyramid

We further develop the adaptation pyramid into a monitoring system

Customer
Location
Duration
Read more
Dordrecht, Manifest Region Vallei & Veluwe
Vallei & Veluwe and Dordrecht
2023

The adaptation pyramid

We further develop the adaptation pyramid into a monitoring system

Customer
Location
Duration
Read more
Dordrecht, Manifest Region Vallei & Veluwe
Vallei & Veluwe and Dordrecht
2023

The adaptation pyramid resembles a climate-proof system that can take a punch. But how do we get there? Are we on track with the current climate adaptation policy? Are we choosing the right measures to keep up with the pace of climate change? Are we doing the right things? Do we need to make adjustments? With the adaptation pyramid, we want to develop a monitoring system that can answer these kinds of questions. After all, we’re seeing that the climate is changing rapidly and that this is increasingly bringing more extreme events. If we do not work on a robust climate-proof system now, we will have to respond more often in the future to crisis situations resulting in more damage and disruption.

This project builds on the Adaptation Pyramid for Delfland Water Board and is also part of the Monitoring Lab Climate Adaptation.

Hasse Goosen knows everything about this project

What is the adaptation pyramid?

With the adaptation pyramid, we want to visualise for governments how they are moving towards a robust climate-proof system. The pyramid consists of three layers. From bottom to top they are: utilising the natural system, taking technical measures, and acting in the event of extremes.

A robust adaptation pyramid has a solid base: the natural system and the sponge effect of an area are fully utilised. This means that the water and soil system have a critical role in how an area is designed. But the natural system cannot protect us from all climate extremes. Therefore, we must also take technical measures. In the pyramid, that is the middle layer. In addition, it remains necessary to be prepared for extreme events due to climate change. Think of an extreme heat wave, an uncontrolled wildfire or a flood. Our residents, businesses, institutions and emergency services must be prepared for such situations and know how to act. In the pyramid, that is the top layer. They must also be aware that we cannot solve all extreme events and that there are risks that we have to accept. But this ‘residual risk’ is lower if the foundation of the climate-proofing system is solid.

How can you use the adaptation pyramid for monitoring?

The pyramid helps to divide goals and means that contribute to climate adaptation into three types of climate adaptation. This allows you to see whether you are working mainly on the bottom, middle or top layer. The more you work on the bottom layer, the more solid the basis of the climate-proof system becomes. This way, the pyramid can also be used as a visual support tool in discussions with colleagues and administrators about the extent to which you are on track with climate adaptation. Or you can use it to evaluate and, if necessary, reformulate climate adaptation goals and ambitions.

How do we proceed with the adaptation pyramid?

We are developing an adaptation pyramid for the municipality of Dordrecht and one for Manifest Region Vallei & Veluwe. We will do this by organising working sessions with partners from both regions. In these sessions, we brainstorm together about their adaptation goals. We then link these goals to the different layers of the adaptation pyramid. We will also discuss which means and indicators they use to tackle heat, flooding and drought in their area. Based on this, we assess how the areas are on track with climate adaptation and which adaptation goals they might need adjust.

Result: an infographic for Vallei & Veluwe

We developed an infographic for Manifest Region Vallei & Veluwe as a result of the project. With it, Vallei & Veluwe wants to stimulate parties in the region to collaborate on a joint monitor for climate adaptation. The infographic explains how this can be done using the adaptation pyramid, and how the pyramid invites you to use the natural system as a basis.

Download the infographic Adaptation Pyramid Valley and Veluwe

 

What is the adaptation pyramid?

With the adaptation pyramid, we want to visualise for governments how they are moving towards a robust climate-proof system. The pyramid consists of three layers. From bottom to top they are: utilising the natural system, taking technical measures, and acting in the event of extremes.

A robust adaptation pyramid has a solid base: the natural system and the sponge effect of an area are fully utilised. This means that the water and soil system have a critical role in how an area is designed. But the natural system cannot protect us from all climate extremes. Therefore, we must also take technical measures. In the pyramid, that is the middle layer. In addition, it remains necessary to be prepared for extreme events due to climate change. Think of an extreme heat wave, an uncontrolled wildfire or a flood. Our residents, businesses, institutions and emergency services must be prepared for such situations and know how to act. In the pyramid, that is the top layer. They must also be aware that we cannot solve all extreme events and that there are risks that we have to accept. But this ‘residual risk’ is lower if the foundation of the climate-proofing system is solid.

How can you use the adaptation pyramid for monitoring?

The pyramid helps to divide goals and means that contribute to climate adaptation into three types of climate adaptation. This allows you to see whether you are working mainly on the bottom, middle or top layer. The more you work on the bottom layer, the more solid the basis of the climate-proof system becomes. This way, the pyramid can also be used as a visual support tool in discussions with colleagues and administrators about the extent to which you are on track with climate adaptation. Or you can use it to evaluate and, if necessary, reformulate climate adaptation goals and ambitions.

How do we proceed with the adaptation pyramid?

We are developing an adaptation pyramid for the municipality of Dordrecht and one for Manifest Region Vallei & Veluwe. We will do this by organising working sessions with partners from both regions. In these sessions, we brainstorm together about their adaptation goals. We then link these goals to the different layers of the adaptation pyramid. We will also discuss which means and indicators they use to tackle heat, flooding and drought in their area. Based on this, we assess how the areas are on track with climate adaptation and which adaptation goals they might need adjust.

Result: an infographic for Vallei & Veluwe

We developed an infographic for Manifest Region Vallei & Veluwe as a result of the project. With it, Vallei & Veluwe wants to stimulate parties in the region to collaborate on a joint monitor for climate adaptation. The infographic explains how this can be done using the adaptation pyramid, and how the pyramid invites you to use the natural system as a basis.

Download the infographic Adaptation Pyramid Valley and Veluwe

 

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