About the region

The province of Gelderland is located in the centre-east of Netherlands and has a population of just over 2 million people. The region has a varied landscape with forests, large rivers and rural areas.

Main climate risks

floods

In the area of Gelderland about half of the population lives within 5 kilometres of a river, which makes river floods an especially significant threat.

heatwaves

The Netherlands has historically had a relatively mild climate, but due to climate change heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense and an increasing risk [1], especially for vulnerable groups such as elderly, and people with chronic diseases [2].

“Heatwaves are one of the deadliest natural hazards facing humanity, and the threat they pose will only become more serious and more widespread as the climate crisis continues. However, the good news is that heatwaves are also predictable and preventable. The actions that authorities can take to save lives and significantly reduce suffering are simple and affordable.”
Francesco Rocca

droughts

Droughts are becoming an increasing problem in the province of Gelderland, due to climate change, water management and land use changes.

Focus during Pathways2Resilience

During P2R, the Gelderland region aims to explore the EU wide network of actors working on heat adaptation, from whom they believe that learn about both national, regional and local experiences in the area. Aside from heatwaves, water management is also a high climate risk area, but one that already has expensive plans and funding, which is why focus will be given to heat adaptation.

Interesting highlights

The Province of Gelderland is one of the leading regions regarding heat adaptation in the Netherlands. Almost all 51 municipalities have a local heatplan to be activated during the heat wave. Next step is the development of an integrated heataction plan addressing 16 heatrisks and using the innovative Heatadaptation Menu for Health, Housing and Habitat. In addition, regional social housing corporations are supported to develop heat reduction measures for their properties and tenants; and guidelines to improve the local heatplans are developed. The Province of Gelderland is one of the leading regions regarding heat adaptation in the Netherlands. Almost all 51 municipalities have a local heatplan to be activated during the heat wave. Next step is the development of an integrated heataction plan addressing 16 heatrisks and using the innovative Heatadaptation Menu for Health, Housing and Habitat. In addition, regional social housing corporations are supported to develop heat reduction measures for their properties and tenants; and guidelines to improve the local heatplans are developed.

Regional Resilience Journey

The Gelderland province has medium preparedness on the first and third step of the RRJ, and high capacities for the second step.

The Gelderland region has high capacities in Behavioural Change, Knowledge and Data and Finances and Resources.

Key community systems priority areas

  • nature-based-solutions

  • infrastructure

  • health-wellbeing

Key enabling conditions priority areas

  • knowledge-data

  • finances-resources

  • behavioural-change

References

[1] –

European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. “Demonstrating heat stress in European cities”. Last Accessed 29 October, 2024.

[2] –

Rijkswaterstatt, Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. “Veiligheid”. Last accessed October 30, 2024.