R&D highlights edition 2019

Adaptive delta planning 55 R&D Highlights 2019 C limate change is causing sea levels to rise as warmer temperatures cause seawater to expand and land ice to melt. These effects are compounded when extreme winds force masses of sea water towards the shore in storm surges, which combine with high tides and waves to cause coastal devastation. Almost half of the European Union’s population lives within 50 kilometres of the coast and more than 3.2 million people are employed in Europe’s coastal and maritime tourism sector. The European Environment Agency expects storm surges to cause major environmental damage, economic loss and other social problems on low-lying coastal areas across Europe unless adequate adaptation measures are implemented. The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) provides information to support the development of a climate- resilient society. In September 2017, C3S commissioned Deltares to lead a C3S demonstration project to provide a consistent European dataset for tide, storm surge and wave conditions that covers both a historical period and future scenarios. Apart from producing a meaningful European dataset for climate change, Deltares is coordinating five cases looking at coastal use that focus on coastal flooding in Copenhagen (Baltic), Dublin (Irish Sea), Galway (Atlantic Ocean) and Venice (Mediterranean); sedimentation and erosion in the Netherlands (North Sea); and meteorological and ocean variables affecting the offshore wind industry and harbours in the UK. The data and indicators produced in this project were made available in the Climate Data Store (CDS) through a web portal that allows end users to browse and obtain relevant indicators of climate impact on coastal regions in Europe. This service will help business owners and developers to develop risk assessments and adaptation strategies while helping governments to evaluate national infrastructure vulnerabilities and develop an evidence base for informed decision- making in the context of the threat of climate change. Engineering consultants in coastal industries will also benefit from enhanced data services and the development of linked web services. Contact: Kun Yan, Kun.Yan@deltares.nl , t 31(0)646406612 Tony Minns, Tony.Minns@deltares.nl, t +31(0)610376218 Further reading : https://www.deltares.nl/en/projects/european- coastal-storm-surge-copernicus-climate- change-services/ https://climate.copernicus.eu/c3s-helps- coastal-based-sectors-plan-future Deltares experts produced datasets and indicators to show changes in tide, storm surges and waves on the European coast, as well as the possible impact of climate change on various coastal sectors. Changes in highest astronomical tide (HAT) in [m]: high emission scenario (RCP8.5) in the year of 2050 compare to the climate today Five use cases in Europe overlay on the Global Tide and Surge Model grid DELTARESHELPS EUROPEAN COASTAL SECTORS TO COPE WITH CLIMATE CHANGE