‘Greening the city’ was initially understood as implementing strategies to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. But most contemporary climate plans take a broader approach. The next target of many cities is ‘climate proofing'; i.e. implementing the measures needed to deal with the consequences of climate change. Changes in the climate are seen as imminent, so cities have to protect themselves against their implications. Climate proofing of cities will become a major area of attention for urban design and city planning. 

Recent design studies and policy developments illustrate what can be done at different scale levels. The Netherlands is a point in case. The main challenge of the changing climate in Holland is ‘more water’, coming both from the rivers and from the sea. This threat is being addressed by a range of strategies, from a national water management strategy down to requirements for the retention of rainwater for the smallest development. 

The Dutch national level strategy was developed by the Second Dutch Delta Commission. Former Cabinet Minister and Professor in Sustainable Development Piet Veerman headed the commission. The strategy outlines the national level investments and projects needed to counter rising sea levels up to the year 2100. Strategies include new storm water dams, but also the development of natural reserves and concentration of urban developments.

At the local level, Dutch strategies address sinking land and rising waters by proposing wetland strategies, by the designation of parks and agricultural lands, and by requiring urban developments to create adequate storm water storage. An example of neighborhood level plans is the introduction of ‘water squares’ in Rotterdam. These are neighborhood public spaces that become temporary ponds under heavy rain. 

The threats of climate change obviously vary with the location. Other threats reported include increased summer heat, lower water levels, fiercer winter storms, more and heavier hurricanes, drops in agricultural production, deficiencies in water supply and energy generation. But more water is definitely one of the dominant threats. The many coastal cities and towns will have to consider their resilience to rising sea levels and heightened storm surge impacts.