acqua alta Exhibition and Conference

"This makes adaptation essential as it can reduce vulnerability in the short and long term. If nothing is done, the ultimate costs will increase." Neither adaptation nor mitigation alone can avoid all climate change impacts; however they can complement each other and together can significantly reduce the risks of climate change. In some scenarios, mitigation of climate change would reduce global GDP only by up to 3% by 2030, added Dr. Pachauri. The Exhibition and International Conference on Climate Impact, Flood Protection and Hydraulic Engineering, to be held at CCH-Congress Center Hamburg from 11th to 13th October, will feature leading experts from Germany and abroad, presenting new developments and projects. A total of 70 speakers from ten nations are expected.

The German strategy for adaptation to climate change ensures timely detection of future risks, and use of possible opportunities for adaptation. That is to create a dependable framework for action, as explained by Petra Mahrenholz of the Federal Environment Agency (UBA). In the past two years, the Federal Environment Agency worked out the key components for a plan of action which was handed over to the Cabinet at the end of July. "The German adaptation strategy is more than just a declaration of intent," says Dr. Helge Wendenburg, Ministerialdirektor at the Federal Environment Ministry. He will include a statement on this action plan in his keynote speech at the acqua alta Opening Ceremony.

The global issues call for action at regional level. That is why the Federal Ministry of Education and Research is funding the KLIMZUG project initiative. It works in seven model regions throughout Germany, whereby KLIMZUG-NORD focuses on the North German region - "We will support the action plan of the German adaptation strategy with scientific insights and help to ensure that the strategies also have a regional connection with Hamburg," says Arne von Maydell, KLIMZUG-NORD spokesman. One of the KLIMZUG projects to be presented at acqua alta is an examination of the need to adapt the Hamburg sewerage system to climate change. The future overflow behaviour of parts of the sewerage network will be simulated on the basis of climate model data. "We are hoping that the analysis will give us knowledge of what impact we have to expect from climate change, and what would be an appropriate strategy," says Project Director Dr. Nina Hüffmeyer of HAMBURG WASSER. She will be able to present initial results at acqua alta. "At the present time it looks like we will have to expect more overflow events in the future," she adds. Examinations will now be conducted to decide whether decentral rainwater management measures would be suitable as an adaptation strategy for the metropolitan region.

The German adaptation strategy comprises not only regional elements, but also more intensive international cooperation and the transfer of knowledge to developing countries. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Qumrul Hassan of the Geological Institute of Dhaka University will explain in a presentation at acqua alta the devastating effects that floods have in countries like Bangladesh. "We cannot prevent them, but we can reduce their disastrous effects by appropriate flood management." However, cost is often the decisive factor.

The authorities in Rotterdam, Netherlands are taking a new approach to coping with flood situations, the development areas of the largest seaport city in Europe are outside the secured main dike defences; there are already some 65,000 people living in the metropolitan region of Rijnmond-Drechtsteden. Rather than surrounding building areas with large barriers against the water, the new approach is focused on individual buildings, for example placing water stoppers in front of the sites. "We are trying to create a flood-proof new environment, which meets the standards of modern design and can also cope with the consequences of climate change," says Peter van Veelen of the Urban Planning Department in Rotterdam. His presentation at acqua alta will give the results of a study which started in January 2011.

Another best-practice example is Copenhagen. The Danish capital has integrated climate adaptation into overall city planning, including individual local and sectoral concepts. The Copenhagen Climate Plan is designed to reduce carbon emissions by 20% between 2005 and 2015. For example Arne Bernt Hasling, Innovation Manager at COWI in Denmark, reports at acqua alta on how protection from flooding due to severe rainfall has already been incorporated in the planning of Europe's most advanced metro system. Further details of the conference programme and registration are given at the website.

acqua alta Exhibition and International Conference will be held at CCH-Congress Center Hamburg from 11 to 13 October 2011. Its main subjects are Climate Impact, Flood Protection and Hydraulic Engineering, giving a platform to all the organisations, institutes, local authorities and industries involved for expert exchange of views and development of joint strategies. The exhibition at CCH is a showcase for specialist companies to demonstrate their innovative products, technologies and services.