This public space is engineered to keep water from flooding the city of Rotterdam, which exists under sea-level.
Andrea Bruce-The Washington Post
In Amsterdam, a network of canals, dikes and levies winds through the downtown and keeps the city afloat. The country is embracing new innovations against climate disaster such as floating communities. One going up in east Amsterdam looks like an aquatic suburbia.
Andrea Bruce-The Washington Post
A boat tour in Amsterdam. The country's dike and levy system underwent a major refortification following devastating floods in 1953 that killed nearly 2,000 people.
Andrea Bruce-The Washington Post
Tommy van Riet is a captain in a tour boat company in Amsterdam. The country is expanding rivers and canals to contain swells anticipated with climate change.
Andrea Bruce-The Washington Post
Greenhouses act like a levy outside of the Hague. Because flooding is an ever-present threat, all Dutch children must learn to swim with their clothes on by age 6; the government provides universal flood insurance to home owners.
Andrea Bruce-The Washington Post
In the Netherlands, officials have opted to invest in new parks, city squares and parking garages now under construction that effectively double as drainage system, filling with water during heavy floods to keep streets, buildings and homes above water.
Andrea Bruce-The Washington Post
The Dutch, who have long battled the North Sea from pushing into their country and taking over their land, have been quick to embrace innovations against climate disaster. "We know that worst of climate change is a long way off, but we feel like pioneers," David Goulooze said. "The Dutch have this in their genes. Everything is a fight against the water. We just have to start fighting harder."
Andrea Bruce-The Washington Post
A large water blockade was built near the Hague in case severe flooding from the North Sea threatens the country.
Andrea Bruce-The Washington Post
A large water blockade was built near the Hague to protect against a surge from the North Sea. Over the past several years, mega-projects have sprung up as the Dutch seek ways to adapt to rising water levels.
Andrea Bruce-The Washington Post
Dykes and levies are dredged to help manage water in the fields surrounding the Hague. The government is engaging in "selective relocation" of farmers from flood-prone areas
Andrea Bruce-The Washington Post
A farmer stands in his field , outside of the Hague, which is controlled by a water management system developed in the Netherlands. It detects exactly how much water is needed for crops for ideal production.
Andrea Bruce-The Washington Post
Stijn Koole talks to Femke Smeets about the water system surrounding the Hague. He is a landscape architect for Bosch and Slabbers who has been working with the Netherlands to reclaim their land and plan for future flooding.
Andrea Bruce-The Washington Post
The view from the window of the home of David Goulooze, 40, a software salesman, and Mirjam Stoll, 29 and a teacher. They were among the first residents to live in this floating neighborhood when the homes, starting at about $600,000, began selling last year.
Andrea Bruce-The Washington Post
David Goulooze and Mirjam Stoll's home is little different in appearance from any sleek, modern house on land, the hanging light fixtures in their dining room gently rock even in good weather. The couple still finds themselves getting sea sick now and again.
Andrea Bruce-The Washington Post
Residents of Ijburg in the Netherlands, just outside of Amsterdam, have recently turned to living in a floating neighborhood. The homes are built on floating platforms of reinforced concrete, and literally rise with floodwaters, offering a glimpse into how lifestyles may change as costal areas adapt.
Andrea Bruce-The Washington Post
Gallery Credits:
Photo Editor Sam Funt
Text Editor Kelly Johnson
