Abstract
Climate change is an internationally recognised phenomenon generally held accountable for the increasing magnitude of extremes in both climatic events and temperature. With increasing urbanization and the concentration of socio-economic activities in urban areas, the challenge to contend with climate change is particularly pertinent in cities. In response to climate-change impacts, a range of climateadaptation strategies have been developed to make cities increasingly ‘climate proof’. A qualitative research approach is employed to review climate change, its impacts and some adaptation strategies, focusing on ecosystem-based adaptation strategies from Belgium and The Netherlands and Water-Sensitive Urban Design approaches developed in Australia. The article engages a case study of Essenvelt, Middelburg, The Netherlands, where unanticipated warmer night-time temperatures are a primary concern, related to natural variability, the urban heat island effect and climate change. The article proposes certain adaptation measures for Essenvelt, based on the adaptation strategies reviewed. Keywords: Adaptation, climate change, ecosystem-based, water-sensitive urban design, WSUD
Highlights
Climate change may result in environmental changes that extend beyond existing and historical natural variability (Gibbs, 2015: 207)
A case study of Essenvelt, Middelburg, The Netherlands, where unexpected warmer night-time temperatures are a result of natural variability, in all probability intensified by the urban heat island effect and climate change, was used to apply the adaptation proposals discussed, in order to recommend certain adaptation strategies for Essenvelt utilising wind, building design, and blue-green infrastructure possibilities
This article provided a review of key considerations with regard to climate adaptation as an increasingly important component of urban planning strategies in the modern age
Summary
Climate change may result in environmental changes that extend beyond existing and historical natural variability (Gibbs, 2015: 207). This article focuses on climate adaptation strategies in cities. By discussing basic concepts related to climate adaptation, three categories of adaptation strategies can be identified, from which planning and management instruments can be selected; this article focuses on ecosystem-based adaptation approaches. A case study of Essenvelt, Middelburg, The Netherlands, where unexpected warmer night-time temperatures are a result of natural variability, in all probability intensified by the urban heat island effect and climate change, was used to apply the adaptation proposals discussed, in order to recommend certain adaptation strategies for Essenvelt utilising wind, building design, and blue-green infrastructure possibilities.
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