Flood adaptation measures in urban area developments

Abstract

The consequences of climate change in the Netherlands are expected to result in a range of pressures, particularly concerning rising sea levels, increased river discharges, and changing rainfall patterns, which especially occur in urban areas. On the contrary, there is a mismatch between flood risk management (FRM) needs and investments related to FRM in urban areas. The overall financial outlay required for measures to mitigate the consequences of flooding ranges from €36 billion to €73 billion in the Netherlands. This research investigates real estate developers’ willingness to invest in flood adaptation measures to anticipate rising FRM costs. This research is based on Ajzen’s (1991) Theory of Planned Behaviour and the four factors related to the development of adaptation strategies by Nilsson (2016). Through semi-structured interviews, a literature review, and the analysis of policy documents, the main question will be answered: “What factors influence real estate developers’ willingness to invest in flood adaptation measures in urban developments?”. The objective of this research is to understand developers’ willingness to invest in FRM and the factors that influence this willingness. This understanding is critical to enhance flood adaptation measures for urban developments to improve water safety.