Part 8/15:

The Netherlands, a country renowned for its advanced flood defenses, exemplifies the critical need for proactive climate adaptation. The Storm Surge Barrier in Rotterdam has guarded below-sea-level parts of the country for over 25 years. Built at a cost of nearly half a billion euros, it automatically closes during storm surges, protecting about 40% of Dutch land.

However, climate scientists warn that sea levels are rising faster than current infrastructure can handle. By 2100, projections suggest that some Dutch flood defenses might be insufficient, urging the need for future upgrades.