International Conference 'Deltas in Times of Climate Change': Call for Abstracts

The Dutch research programmes Climate changes Spatial Planning and Knowledge for Climate, the City of Rotterdam and the Co-operative Programme on Water and Climate invite you to share your experience and knowledge with other scientists, politicians, policymakers and practitioners by participating in the international conference 'Deltas in Times of Climate Change'.

You can also submit an abstract now.

Deltas have a lot to offer. They are close to the sea and inland waterways. Their soils are fertile. They are therefore the base of many large and fast growing cities. But as populations grow, deltas and their cities are becoming more vulnerable. Floods, land subsidence, traffic congestion, air pollution and salt intrusion loom up as common threats. Climate change aggravates these problems. But when delta societies actively adapt to climate change by investing in new technologies and creating better physical, societal and governance systems.

The conference will be held in Rotterdam, since Rotterdam is at the forefront of climate adaptation: it turns challenges into opportunities and takes integrated measures to create a safer city and region. This strategy will result in a more attractive city to live, recreate, work and invest in.

The three main goals of te conference are:
1. Exchange of up-to-date top science on climate change and delta planning.
2. Strengthening of international cooperation between deltas and delta cities.
3. Exploring and strengthening the links between science, policy and practitioners at international level.

Themes to be discussed include: subsidence, climate change and spatial planning, flood risk management, salt water intrusion and fresh water supply, salt water aquaculture and brackish agriculture, urban heat island effect, governance and innovative policy instruments.

Authors who wish to present a paper or poster related to the scientific programme are invited to submit an abstract.

The abstracts have to be submitted before 15 February 2010, and will be expected to fit within one of the themes:
1.     Regional climate, sea level rise, storm surges, river run-off and coastal flooding
2.     Fresh water availability under sea level rise and climate change
3.     Climate change and estuarine ecosystems
4.     Climate change and climate proofing in urban areas
5.     Competing claims and land use in deltas under climate change
6.     Governance and economics of climate adaptation
7.     Decision support instruments for climate adaptation policy
8.     Climate and health in delta areas
9.     Managing extreme weather risks 

Dates to be remembered:
February 15: Deadline for submission of abstract
February: Registration open (fee: approximately € 350)
April: Notification of abstract/poster selection
August 1: Submission of draft full paper

During the conference, the Delta Alliance, Connecting Delta Cities and the C40 will be working to develop worldwide cooperation between deltas and delta cities. The Delta Alliance is an international alliance promoting effective cooperation among deltas in their efforts to manage existing and new challenges. The Connecting Delta Cities is an international network that unites delta cities that strive to make their cities climate proof.

More information is available at the conference website and the brochure of the conference. You can also receive updates of the latest information on the conference by signing up to the mailing list.