ClimateCafé: gathering climate knowledge from eight countries
- News
From flooding to a withering environment: worldwide people are looking for smart ways to deal with our changing climate. Dozens of researchers, policymakers, students and professionals from the Netherlands and abroad will therefore come together at the end of October during the international edition of ClimateCafé. Charné Theron, project leader and senior researcher at Hanze: "We can learn a lot from each other."
The event on and around the Zernike Campus is not just any conference. On 28, 29 and 30 October, the participants will attend lectures, workshops and look at practical trials at locations in Groningen. The goal: to exchange knowledge and come up with concrete solutions together that make regions around the world more resilient to climate change.
Text: Anita Pepping
Differences in approach
The international event brings together about 75 participants. A third coming from Denmark, Poland, England, Portugal, Latvia, Indonesia and the Philippines, the rest from the Netherlands. The cooperation between these countries is no coincidence, because they are all struggling with flooding, drought and heat stress. The approach and solutions differ and that is exactly where lessons can be learnt. For example, Portugal already has extensive experience with Nature Based Solutions against heat, such as white buildings that reflect sunlight and shady public spaces. On the other hand, they can learn from the Dutch knowledge about water management. From within Hanze, 7 major projects are brought together.
Outdoor learning and experiences
According to project leader Charné Theron, the ClimateCafé distinguishes itself from traditional conferences because participants really go outside. "Practical experience is key. This international edition is special because for the first time so many partners from international climate projects are working together for several days. New connections are created between researchers, municipalities, companies, educational institutions and students. Normally, they mainly operate within their own projects."
One of the principles of the ClimateCafé is that participants should investigate something, experience it and take it with them to their own practice. That is why the days consist of a combination of lectures, workshops, field visits and demonstrations.
This approach is in line with the philosophy behind the concept, which has now been applied more than a hundred times worldwide.
From water wall to willow field
One of the projects that participants will look at in Groningen is the WaterWall. This system was developed by students of the Hanze and consists of vertical water reservoirs along buildings. These store excess rainwater during downpours and then drain it step by step. They are now also used in Zwolle and Leeuwarden.
The Reitdiep project in Groningen is also included in the programme. So-called grey water from showers and sinks is not drained directly into the sewers but purified and reused via natural filters. Such circular water systems can offer solutions in times of increasing drought. In addition, the participants will see trials with relatively simple facilities to temporarily retain rainwater, slowly sink it into the soil and replenish groundwater.
Persistent misconceptions
According to co-organiser and professor of climate adaptation at the Hanze, Floris Boogaard, it is not just about technical challenges. "Take a wadi, or as some say 'ditch'. Residents sometimes fear that more greenery and open water in the city will lead to extra mosquitoes. But research shows that a well-designed swale is empty within two days. Mosquitoes need at least seven days to develop from eggs and therefore do not get a chance." It remains an important lesson for him; Climate adaptation is not only about technology, but also about communicating with local residents.
Learning from each other's experiences
Within the international network, the exchange of knowledge is important. For example, Groningen has been inspired by foreign examples, while other cities in turn have benefited from experiences gained here.
An example is trial fields with different planting for wadis and rainwater buffers. Researchers are looking at what soil types and plants function best, even under dry conditions. Trials with willows attract a lot of attention, as they require relatively little maintenance and are resistant to drought. Willow branches are also very useful as sustainable drainage at wadis.
The same experiments are now being carried out in other countries. By comparing results from different climate zones, researchers hope to gain a better understanding of which solutions are most effective in which places.
New generation of climate professionals
Students always play an important role during a ClimateCafé. "By actively involving students in practical research, we show that civil engineering involves more than designing behind a desk. Climate adaptation requires research in neighbourhoods, collaboration with residents and the creation of tangible solutions in public space. This makes the construction and water sector attractive and more relevant, also for the region. It is precisely this combination of research, practical experience and international knowledge exchange that is the strength of the ClimateCafé," according to the organisers.
Need more information about Research Centre for Built Environment Noorderruimte?
Visit the Centre's webpageWhat is ClimateCafé?
From 2014 onwards, ClimateCafé has been a working method for climate adaptation developed by Hanze professor of climate adaptation Floris Boogaard. Researchers, municipalities, water authorities, companies and students work together on practical issues related to water, heat and drought. Participants combine sharing their knowledge with excursions, practical visits and demonstrations. More than a hundred ClimateCafés have now been organised worldwide.