Infrastructure and Networks
A change in the climate can have a major effect on both underground and aboveground networks and on the infrastructure. Yet little is known about the effects of climate change on the functioning of networks and the infrastructure. What is the influence of higher temperatures and salinisation on underground cables, pipes and mains in terms of corrosion? Where is rising pipework and mains giving concern in view of different groundwater levels? There is also little known about the effectiveness of adaptation policy. Infrastructure as referred to in this theme means linear infrastructure (roads, railway and waterways) and fixedpoint infrastructure (sewage treatment plants, power plants, engineering structures, etc.).
This theme focuses on the aspect of functionality at the system level of infrastructure and networks. The theme relates not only to today’s infrastructure and networks but also those that will be in operation in 50 years’ time. What will the networks and infrastructure look like 50 years from now? What might the climate be like then, and what does that imply for adaptation projects now?
Key questions
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What are the effects of climate change on the infrastructure and networks?
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How vulnerable or resilient are infrastructure and networks?
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What will be the damage for national and regional economies if, as a result of climate change, the
infrastructure (both road transport and shipping), networks, mains services, mainports and urban conurbations are hindered in terms of their proper functioning, or if certain mains services, (fixed-point) infrastructure or networks break down for any length of time? -
Which adaptation strategies are possible, and which are feasible in terms of economy, society, ecology and space, given the timescale and the speed at which climate change is expected to occur?
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What can we learn from how other nations are dealing with these problems?
A Consortium on Infrastructure and Networks was formed in 2010. The objective of the this Consortium research programme is to gain insight into the effects of climate change on the Dutch transport, energy, ICT and water infrastructures and to develop robust strategies to allow these networks to maintain their function, adapting to the effects of climate change.
View the list with CcSP and KfC projects with regard to this Research theme.