Throughout history, city dwellers have devised numerous strategies to defend themselves against invaders. Yet, the forces of nature have consistently posed a more formidable challenge, particularly since many cities are situated along coastlines and major waterways. In 1362, a catastrophic storm known as “The Great Drowning of Men” ravaged several European settlements, claiming over 25,000 lives.
In response to such threats, regions like the Netherlands have developed remarkable water-defense systems. These include structures like wierden, dikes, ditches, dams, locks, and even charming water pumps. In the mid-20th century, the Dutch embarked on constructing a series of storm surge barriers, which rank among the largest movable human-made structures globally today.
Despite these efforts, projections indicate that sea levels could rise by as much as one meter in the next 90 years, with an additional three meters possible in the following century. This suggests that even the Dutch systems might not be sufficient. Cities worldwide face similar threats, not only from rising seas but also from warming waters that are intensifying storms.
Given the challenges of keeping all this water at bay, people around the world are getting inventive. In the U.K., innovators have developed water-absorbing concrete capable of soaking up 600 liters of water per square meter every minute and redirecting it. Meanwhile, Dutch engineers are designing floating homes and shopping centers that can adapt to rising sea levels.
Moreover, the storm-driven waves that currently threaten cities might one day provide enough energy to power them. Data analysis is revolutionizing how cities prepare for storms, enabling better predictions of storm paths and visualizing potential evacuation routes.
We are also revisiting natural solutions. Salt marshes and mangroves in tidal zones can decelerate incoming water, reducing wave heights and total wave energy by over 50%. Research suggests that integrating these natural features with engineered solutions could save hundreds of millions of dollars in storm damage in coastal urban areas, such as New York’s Howard Beach.
Despite these advancements, cities are still far from being completely storm-proof. More information and innovative solutions are essential to bolster their resilience. Fortunately, urban areas are centers of innovation where groundbreaking ideas are continually emerging; they just need to outpace the encroaching waters.
This MinuteEarth video was sponsored by AXA, a global insurance company. AXA recently conducted a survey on how cities and businesses worldwide are adapting to climate-related challenges. For more information about the results of this research, visit axa.com/resilience. A big thanks to AXA for supporting MinuteEarth!
Imagine you are an urban planner tasked with protecting a coastal city from rising sea levels and storm surges. Create a detailed plan for a water defense system incorporating both engineered and natural solutions. Consider elements like dikes, storm surge barriers, and salt marshes. Present your design in a class discussion, highlighting how each component contributes to the city’s resilience.
Conduct a case study analysis of the Netherlands’ water management strategies. Research their innovative systems such as the Delta Works and floating structures. Prepare a report or presentation that evaluates the effectiveness of these strategies and suggests improvements or adaptations for other regions facing similar challenges.
Engage with an online simulation that models the impact of rising sea levels on different coastal cities. Analyze how various factors, such as storm intensity and urban infrastructure, affect the outcomes. Write a reflection on your findings and propose strategies that could mitigate the risks identified in the simulation.
Participate in a workshop focused on innovative materials like water-absorbing concrete. Explore the science behind these materials and their potential applications in urban environments. Collaborate with peers to brainstorm new uses or improvements for these materials in the context of climate change adaptation.
Engage in a structured debate on the merits of natural versus engineered solutions for combating water threats. Research both sides of the argument, considering factors such as cost, effectiveness, and environmental impact. Present your arguments in a class debate, and be prepared to defend your position with evidence and examples.
Over the millennia, city dwellers have found many effective ways to protect themselves against invaders. However, the forces of nature have proven more challenging to keep out, especially since most cities are located along coasts and major waterways. In 1362, a storm known as “The Great Drowning of Men” devastated a series of European settlements, resulting in the loss of over 25,000 lives.
Since then, low-lying areas like the Netherlands have developed impressive water-defense systems, including wierden, dikes, ditches, dams, locks, and charming water pumps. In the mid-20th century, the Dutch initiated the construction of a series of storm surge barriers, which are among the largest movable human-made structures in the world today.
However, with sea levels projected to rise by as much as one meter in the next 90 years, and potentially three more meters in the following century, it’s evident that even the Dutch efforts may not suffice. The Netherlands is not alone; cities worldwide face similar threats, not only from rising seas but also from warming waters that are generating stronger storms.
As keeping all this water out may not be feasible, people around the globe are getting creative. Inventors in the U.K. have developed water-absorbing concrete that can soak up 600 liters of water per square meter every minute and redirect it. Dutch engineers are designing floating homes and shopping centers that can adapt to rising sea levels.
Additionally, the storm-driven waves that pose a threat to cities today might one day provide enough energy to power them. Data analysis is also transforming how cities prepare for storms, helping to predict where storms are likely to strike and visualizing potential evacuation routes.
We are also returning to natural solutions. Salt marshes and mangroves in tidal zones can slow the movement of incoming water, reducing wave heights and total wave energy by over 50%. Research indicates that combining these natural features with engineered solutions could save hundreds of millions of dollars in storm damage in coastal urban neighborhoods, such as New York’s Howard Beach.
However, cities are still far from being fully storm-proofed; more information and innovative solutions are needed to enhance their resilience. Fortunately, urban areas are hubs of innovation where great ideas are constantly emerging; they just need to develop faster than the water can encroach.
This MinuteEarth video was sponsored by AXA, a global insurance company. AXA recently conducted a survey on how cities and businesses worldwide are adapting to climate-related challenges. For more information about the results of this research, visit axa.com/resilience. A big thanks to AXA for supporting MinuteEarth!
Water – A transparent, tasteless, odorless, and nearly colorless chemical substance, which is the main constituent of Earth’s streams, lakes, and oceans, and the fluids of most living organisms. – Water scarcity is becoming a critical issue in many regions, prompting the need for sustainable management practices.
Levels – The specific heights or quantities of something, often used to measure the concentration or presence of a particular element in the environment. – Rising sea levels due to climate change pose a significant threat to coastal communities worldwide.
Cities – Large human settlements that are significant centers of population, commerce, and culture, often facing unique environmental challenges. – Cities are increasingly implementing green infrastructure to combat urban heat and improve air quality.
Storms – Severe weather conditions characterized by strong winds, rain, thunder, lightning, or snow, often impacting ecosystems and human activities. – The frequency and intensity of storms are expected to increase as a result of global climate change.
Solutions – Methods or processes for solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation, particularly in the context of environmental issues. – Innovative solutions are needed to address the challenges of plastic pollution in the oceans.
Nature – The phenomena of the physical world collectively, including plants, animals, the landscape, and other features and products of the earth, as opposed to humans or human creations. – Conservation efforts aim to preserve the delicate balance of nature and protect biodiversity.
Technology – The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry, which can be used to address environmental challenges. – Advances in renewable energy technology are crucial for reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
Resilience – The capacity of ecosystems or communities to recover quickly from difficulties or adapt to changes, such as those caused by climate change. – Building resilience in agricultural systems is essential to ensure food security in the face of climate variability.
Marshes – Wetland areas that are dominated by herbaceous plants rather than woody plant species, playing a crucial role in water filtration and habitat provision. – Marshes act as natural buffers, absorbing floodwaters and reducing the impact of storm surges.
Innovation – The process of translating an idea or invention into a good or service that creates value or for which customers will pay, often leading to new solutions for environmental issues. – Innovation in waste management practices can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of urban areas.
