The worldwide DeltaCompetition is open for submissions. Royal Haskoning, the Delta Alliance and the City of Rotterdam invite students to formulate creative solutions for adapting the delta cities of the world to climate change impacts. Until 15th June 2010, students can submit entries to the competition. Three winning entries will receive prizes of USD3,000 and an expenses-paid trip to Rotterdam to present their work at the Deltas in Times of Climate Change conference, 29th September and 1st October 2010.
Submissions should be original, implementable, and have a scientific basis. Competition organisers are welcoming entries from across a number of disciplines, including climate modelling, spatial planning, infrastructure and buildings, coastal engineering, governance and economics. Submissions will be peer-reviewed by a panel of judges.
Half of the world's population lives in densely populated city regions in delta areas. These estuarine cities are highly dynamic areas - they show fast urban and economic growth and undergo continuous transformation and development to facilitate space for living, working and recreation to meet the ever-increasing needs of the population. But delta cities are also exceptionally fragile areas - rising sea levels, increased river discharge, extreme weather conditions, salination of groundwater and subsidence constitute significant and increasing threats to delta cities and the people living in them. All over the world, people are seeking practical, innovative, sustainable solutions to adapt to the impacts of climate change and facilitate sustainable development of delta cities.
The DeltaCompetition focuses on climate change impact areas that require adaptive solutions, and includes such aspects as water, nature, mobility, agriculture, energy, health, housing and recreation. The competition is open to PhD, Master and Bachelor students and recent graduates throughout the world. "We are looking for students in the fields of social sciences, earth sciences, economics, engineering and architecture, but we welcome entries from all students with a creative vision on how delta cities can respond to their challenges," says Jan Bout, CEO of Royal Haskoning.
Individuals, single-discipline teams and multi-disciplinary groups of students are invited to submit their ideas in the form of a poster and supporting paper. Students can submit their entries until 15 June 2010 through www.brainrack.com, an online platform for the generation of innovative ideas.
The best submissions will be published in a book by the competition organisers. The international jury will include scientists and decision makers.
Two previous DeltaCompetitions, held in 2006 and 2008 and organised by Royal Haskoning, sparked new debates and dialogue between academics and private industry. Building on these successes, Royal Haskoning is partnering with the City of Rotterdam and the Delta Alliance for a 2010 DeltaCompetition that will attract entries from around the globe and draw further attention to the challenges shared by delta cities worldwide.
In a TEDx WWF session held in Geneva, Switzerland, Stuart Orr talked about water which is a solvable crisis. Stuart Orr is freshwater programme director for WWF International.
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