Humans are altering geological processes on Earth at an increasing rate. More and more, human actions are destabilizing the very conditions that sustain life. These changes have ushered in a new geological epoch, described as the Anthropocene.
This proposed epoch dates from the commencement of significant human impact on Earth's geology and ecosystems, including, but not limited to, anthropogenic climate change.
The Netherlands forms the low-lying delta of North-Western Europe. Climate change threatens to overflow the rivers of the Netherlands. River discharges have increased and extremely high water levels are expected to occur more frequently.
To protect the Netherlands from flooding, a government design plan called Room for the River (Ruimte voor de Rivier) was initiated in 1995. The programme aims to reduce the risk of flooding by giving more space to the rivers.
In the past, the Dutch river Waal made a sharp bend towards the city of Nijmegen - making it difficult for water to drain away and putting Nijmegen at risk.
Between 2012 and 2016, the Room for the River plan solved this problem by radically repositioning a dyke connected to the river 350 meters land inwards. This ensures that the river water can flow more quickly to the sea.
Relocating the Waal was a radical yet necessary action to improve the safety of the city of Nijmegen.
Moreover, the municipal government has taken the opportunity to use the flood control improvements for a major development of the area. An entirely new neighbourhood will be built on the northern bank: Nijmegen-Noord.
Nijmegen-Noord is still in construction. What is now mostly a green area will become the ground for the new neighborhood, as twelve thousand homes will be built in a short time.
Moreover, the municipal government has taken the opportunity to use the flood control improvements for a major development of the area. An entirely new neighbourhood will be built on the northern bank: Nijmegen-Noord.
Nijmegen-Noord is still in construction. What is now mostly a green area will become the ground for the new neighborhood, as twelve thousand homes will be built in a short time.