Protecting At-Risk Cities From Rising Seas 243
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)."
Other news (Score:4, Funny)
In other news, Himalayas have seen a surge of new visitors and people moving in.
Re:Other news (Score:2, Funny)
Everyone was laughing at me for building a giant boat in my back yard. Who's laughing now, suckers!
Sleepwalking? (Score:3, Funny)
A bit dangerous if you live in a houseboat.
Re:Other news (Score:3, Funny)
Not the unicorns, that's for damn sure.
Yeah, right (Score:5, Funny)
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.
Re:The solution seems obvious (Score:5, Funny)
There are two types of people I can't stand:
People who are intolerant of other people's cultures.
And the Dutch.
Re:the ultimate solution (Score:3, Funny)
Nice to get some bargain beachfront property (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Yeah, right (Score:5, Funny)
Re:the ultimate solution (Score:3, Funny)
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.
Re:The solution seems obvious (Score:2, Funny)
Whats wrong with sticking your fingers in dykes? I quite enjoy it.
Re:Well, telling them doesn't work (Score:1, Funny)
In summer, the river's at the bottom of the garden; in winter the garden's at the bottom of the river...
Finally... (Score:3, Funny)
Things Change? (Score:2, Funny)
Ever!
Re:the ultimate solution (Score:3, Funny)
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!
Re:Sleepwalking? (Score:2, Funny)
Informative? Obviously the moderator hasn't a clue why you would need water wings in a sexual situation.
Re:Other news (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Managed Retreat (Score:3, Funny)
Run Away! Run Away!