Goal of the Project
From a myriad of measures flood manages can select adaptation options, ranging from conventional grey to alternative green infrastructure solutions. However, the evaluation and implementation of long-term flood adaptation strategies is a complex and challenging process. Conventional valuation methods generally do not capture the full range of the costs and benefits of flood measures, as intangible losses caused by floods and non-market benefits associated with green infrastructure measures are often neglected. Responding to these challenges, the main goal of this PhD is to assess preferences for flood risk reduction measures while economically assessing the cost and (co-)benefits of the full range of flood protection measures (grey infrastructure and green infrastructure) by combining an econometric and behavioral science approach.
Scientific Motivation
Floods, one of the most devastating natural disasters worldwide, are projected to increase in frequency and severity as a result of a combination of climate change and socio-economic developments. The Netherlands, a country of which 59% of the surface area can be considered flood-prone with the majority of the population living in these flood-prone areas, will have to adapt its current flood defence system to these changing circumstances. To enable implementation, evaluation methods will be developed to aid flood managers in selecting the most promising and efficient strategies.
Case Study
This research will focus on the Geul catchment and the coast and estuary of Zeeland. For both case studies the implementation and acceptance of different solutions, both technical and nature-based solutions, will be investigated.
Expected Outcomes
In this research, a cost-benefit analysis will be performed to evaluate and compare flood risk reduction strategies while taking uncertainty related to climate change and socio-economic development into account using adaptation pathways. The results can provide insights to flood managers in their decision making.
Involved Endusers
Last modified: 28/08/2024
Main researcher
Laurine de Wolf
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Involved Endusers
Project outputs
Water, worry, and wellbeing: Evaluating the impacts of floods and flood adaptation on life satisfaction
In this paper the impact of the 2021 flood in Limburg on life satisfaction and explores how flood adaptation can mitigate these negative impacts of floods. Curious to learn more? Check out the open access paper
29/01/2026 by Laurine de Wolf
Bevat: Publication open access journal
FRM in focus: video
29/04/2021 by Prof. dr. ir. Bas Jonkman
Bevat: Video & Audio
