Defacto together with the Province of South Holland and the water boards, developed a ‘climate base map’ that provides insight in conditions for land use deriving from the water- and soil system and climate change, as well as guidelines for climate proof urbanization, agriculture and nature developments. This project results from the ‘Water and Soil as guiding principle’ policy letter (‘Kamerbrief Water en Bodem Sturend’), a call for action by the national government, to stop passing on climate responsibility and costs to future generations, different areas or from the private to the public sector.

The map series shows climate challenges until 2100 in relation to flood risk management, subsidence, rain water discharge, water availability, water quality and heat stress. During a series of workshops with experts we together elaborated the impact of climate change and indicated areas that on the long term will be (un)suitable for traditional land use functions. We indicated where land use functions are considered unsustainable and should be reconsidered (orange on the map), where a joint effort is required to transform land use in a climate proof way (yellow on the map) and where guidelines can secure climate proof development (green on the map).

Municipalities can use the developed ‘climate base map’ to direct housing development, nature development and policies and agriculture transition. The map indicates what development could best be located where and provides guidelines for climate proof development.