The Gelderland Climate Adaptation Implementation Agenda already looks far ahead

The Gelderland provincial government recently adopted the Climate Adaptation Implementation Agenda 2024-2027. This will make Gelderland more resilient to the changing climate. In this way, the consequences of heat, drought, wind and flooding can be reduced.

To work

“We want a climate-proof and circular Geldeland in everything we do,” states the Gelderland coalition agreement. In 2050, the province wants to be as well protected as possible against, and able to adapt to, the changing climate. The Climate Adaptation Implementation Agenda describes what is required for this – from 2024 to 2027. Through 5 perspectives, namely: green cities and villages, water and soil management, future-proof construction, climate-proof roads and heat.

Climate Deputy Ans Mol: “This is an ambitious Climate Adaptation Implementation Agenda. And a very current one. We cannot do good for Gelderland alone. We realize climate adaptation with municipalities, housing associations, social organizations and of course our residents. Creativity and innovations show our flexibility to deal well with what comes our way in terms of climate changes.”

Green cities and villages

By greening the often paved and petrified living environment, the effects of climate change can be concretely counteracted. Remove stones, concrete and asphalt; plants and trees in it. Greenery retains rainwater. Trees and shrubs store water and provide cooling. This same greenery also provides a good living environment for insects, birds and mammals. Together with IVN Nature Education, the Dutch Climate Association and municipalities, Gelderland will make neighborhoods climate-adaptive and greener.

Area elaborations water and soil steering

The WUR (Wageningen Agricultural University) has made a map of what the Netherlands could look like in 2120. Taking into account the role that climate plays for living, transport and work. A long-term vision helps to choose what is desired and where. The basic principle is that the water and soil system is improved. This is being worked out per area together with the WUR (Netherlands in 2120 – WUR) and working regions (Climate Working Regions (gelderland.nl)).

Future-proof building

By building future-proof, residents suffer as little as possible from drought, heat stress and flooding. In addition, there is room for sufficient greenery and other flora and fauna in their environment. The province works together with municipalities, water boards and parties in the construction sector to develop conditions for a livable, healthy built environment. Based on the ‘National benchmark for a green climate-adaptive built environment’. Together with Vitens, water boards, municipalities and parties from the construction sector, we encourage (drinking) water-friendly construction in (new-build) neighborhoods.

Climate-proof provincial roads
The changing climate is already taken into account in the management, maintenance and construction of roads. Where possible, the province takes measures. This concerns, for example: finishing the hollow of verges or intermediate verges for water collection; installing (new) culverts or pipes that drain rainwater, can handle more water and the use of foundations that can store water.

Tackling heat

Heat affects everyone. Gelderland is working on a heat approach together with partners. In 2023, housing associations in Gelderland started a study into heat in rental properties. This provides insights into tackling heat in homes from 2024. Housing associations also receive renovation advice to ensure that homes remain cooler. The province also shares the Heat Menu in the Built Environment, with which municipalities can help the most vulnerable residents.