Slashdot Mirror
Protecting At-Risk Cities From Rising Seas
Hugh Pickens writes "BBC reports that with about 10 million people in England and Wales living in flood risk areas, rising sea levels and more storms could mean that parts of at-risk cities will need to be surrendered to protect homes and businesses, and that 'radical thinking' is needed to develop sea defenses that can cope with the future threats. 'If we act now, we can adapt in such a way that will prevent mass disruption and allow coastal communities to continue to prosper,' says Ruth Reed, President of the Royal Institute of British Architects. 'But the key word is "now."' Changing sea levels is not a new phenomenon. In the Netherlands, for example, with 40% of its surface under sea level, water management and water defense have been practiced since time immemorial; creating mounds and dykes, windmills, canals with locks and sluices, the Delta Works and the Afsluitdijk, all to keep the water out. Similar solutions to protect British cities are based on three themes (PDF): moving 'critical infrastructure' and housing to safer ground, allowing the water into parts of the city; building city-wide sea defenses to ensure water does not enter the existing urban area; and extending the existing coastline and building out onto the water (using stilts, floating structures and/or land reclamation)."
In other news, Himalayas have seen a surge of new visitors and people moving in.
A bit dangerous if you live in a houseboat.
I'd rather be riding my '63 Triumph T120.
the Delta Works and the Afsluitdijk
I've heard of some crazy Scandinavian names, but come on. That's just somebody banging on the keyboard. Next you're going to tell me about the famed Swedish Lkajadsfglkn.
There are two types of people I can't stand:
People who are intolerant of other people's cultures.
And the Dutch.
Though getting out of bed on the wrong side is a bit of a bummer.
politicians are like babies' nappies: they should both be changed regularly and for the same reasons
If people actually start taking this nonsense seriously, it might be that we get some serious drop in beachfront property prices. Great to live within walking distance of the sea.
There is always a good side to things too. It's a quick way to get off the ugly fat girl you took home from bar last night.
Whats wrong with sticking your fingers in dykes? I quite enjoy it.
In summer, the river's at the bottom of the garden; in winter the garden's at the bottom of the river...
We can rid ourselves of the stain on the face of England that is London! I'm all for it.
Did you just say that things change naturally? That's crazy talk! It's a fact that nothing on this planet ever changes unless it's caused by mankind!
Ever!
Unless, of course, she's a witch.
In which case...
Villagers: (enter yelling) A witch! A witch! We've found a witch! Burn her! Burn her!
"Kill 'em all and let Root sort 'em out"
Run Away! Run Away!
Faster! Faster! Faster would be better!