The UN COP15 climate change conference in Copenhagen is over and the challenges to find solutions to mitigation and adaptation continue.
On December 14th 2009 DHI and COWI were delighted to welcome a big audience at the packed and jointly organised seminar Solutions to the Challenges – after COP 15 at DHI HQ in Hørsholm. Participants from more than 25 countries spent an evening during COP 15 discussing the challenges and where to focus in the years to come. Just hours before the seminar Mr. Suresh P. Prabhu, former Environment and Energy Minister, India, visited DHI in his capacity as chairman of Inter Linking of River Commission.
Mr. Myung-Pil Shim, Korea, Minister of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs
This visit was later followed by Mr. Myung-Pil Shim, Korea, Minister of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs, who at a special seminar session provided a detailed insight into the very large river restoration projects Korea has launched.
The seminar was prepared with the view not only to present some of the solutions to the challenges but also to create dialogue and discuss the issues in a wider context. The presentations and dialogue lead to a number of conclusions.
Policy
The session on development policy identified the need for no-regret solutions in climate change adaptation –interventions that will be beneficial with or without climate change. As an example, studies have shown that proper maintenance of roads will be economically efficient and also help reduce the vast majority of expected damages inflicted by more extreme rain events. Water demand management conservation is another example that will help make societies more resilient to drought and save scarce water resources. Finally, the water-energy-climate nexus was discussed and the “footprint” concept was highlighted as a potential tool for informing policy development.
Water resources
The mega deltas are under severe pressure due to the effects of climate change. Not only agriculture but also fishery and aquaculture need to be listed high on the agenda when assessing damages and how to plan ahead. The consequences of rising sea-level are devastating in the mega deltas. Flooding and salt intrusion has a crucial impact on the livelihood in these densely populated areas, necessitating that adaption takes place.
In many areas dams can solve water related issues, but can by the same token create other problems. The use of the available water often gives rise to problems as local authorities often lack the necessary mandate or there may be conflicting interests. Integrated water resource management and transparent policies are crucial instruments to ensure the best possible use of the resources, not only on the short term but even more importantly on the long-term. The long-term solutions are the key to sustainability.
Dams which are used for hydropower can become more efficient by optimising the use of the water. Just a few percent increase in the production can have a massive impact on the bottom-line, and further ensures a more stable production and reduced risk of flooding. This is achievable by applying forecasting systems which enable the operators to meet demands more efficiently.
Marine
Both developed and developing countries are faced with the problems caused by the rising sea level. The coasts become more vulnerable and there is an increasing need to find solutions, not least in developing countries where the resources are more limited. For the designers and authorities it is imperative to develop methodologies which are adaptable and affordable. This necessitates that the design scenarios as accurately as possible reflect the future.
Urban
The impact on urban water from climate change hits all societies. A number of holistic and simple innovative solutions on how to protect urban areas and important infrastructure from flooding and heat were presented and the participants had the opportunity to discuss the planning process and implementation of a number of actual projects. It was also demonstrated that intelligent solutions for water and drainage systems can help both on mitigation through less power consumption and on adaptation through optimised use of pipe systems. A significant part of the world’s power consumption is used to pump water. It was demonstrated that more water in the city doesn’t mean more power consumption – it can be less if water and waste treatment plants are optimised.
The enthusiasm and many new contacts established amongst the attendees clearly show that bringing so many together with different backgrounds provides a useful forum to discuss the challenges we all face.