The 2021 Flood Event As Wake-Up Call In Dutch Flood Risk Management

Coq, Susanne le

The 2021 Flood Event As Wake-Up Call In Dutch Flood Risk Management

Authors

Coq, Susanne le

Issue Date

2025-11-24

Language

en

URI

https://theses.ubn.ru.nl/handle/123456789/20045

Abstract

This thesis examines if the flood event of 2021 in the Dutch province of Limburg functions as an event triggering policy change in flood risk management, and how. Heavy rainfall in The Netherlands and its bordering countries caused exceptional levels of high water and floodings on a large geographical scope. This study uses factors of stability and change to assess whether and how this extreme event triggered the adaptation of existing policies and the adoption of new policies. Through incorporating policy documents and fifteen semi-structured interviews with different relevant actors, this study demonstrates the impact of the event and its consequences on the short- and long-term. This impact is studied in an institutional context, rather than a societal context. Th results show that while post-flood evaluations underline the urgency for new approaches and mindsets, such as accepting certain risks instead of preventing all flood risks, the practical implication of these evaluations mainly include improving modelling systems and adopting existing programs. This lack of actual paradigm shifts suggests that, while Dutch flood risk management and its actors claim to become more climate change- and flood resilient, this resilience appears to be rather limited and not aimed towards adapting to future climate risks.