Rotterdam, despite being largely below sea level, is a leader in water management and climate change adaptation. The city's mayor, Ahmed Aboutaleb, discussed its strategies at the COP28 climate conference in Dubai. Rotterdam is part of the C40 cities network, leading the delta cities network, and has established the 'Water Safe Cities Accelerator' with other cities. The city's efforts in water management also contribute to the Netherlands' 'water diplomacy', aiming to position the country as a global water expert. This has economic benefits, attracting business for Dutch engineering firms and promoting international trade and investment. However, the article points out the irony of Rotterdam's focus on adaptation over mitigation, given the significant CO2 emissions from the Port of Rotterdam, of which the city is the majority stakeholder.

Rotterdam, despite being largely below sea level, is a leader in water management and climate change adaptation. The city's mayor, Ahmed Aboutaleb, discussed Rotterdam's strategies at the COP28 climate conference in Dubai. Rotterdam is part of the C40 cities network, leading the delta cities group, and has pledged to protect communities from flooding and drought. The city's water management expertise is also a form of 'water diplomacy,' helping to position the Netherlands as a global water expert. This has economic benefits, attracting business for Dutch engineering firms and promoting international trade. The Port of Rotterdam, a significant CO₂ emitter, is shifting towards green energy and circular carbon solutions. However, the port's emissions raise questions about whether Rotterdam should focus more on emission mitigation rather than adaptation.

Rotterdam, despite being largely below sea level, is a leader in water management and climate change adaptation. The city's mayor, Ahmed Aboutaleb, attended the COP28 climate conference to share Rotterdam's strategies and promote urban climate resilience. Rotterdam is part of the C40 cities network and leads the delta cities network, sharing best practices for climate change mitigation. The city's efforts in water management also serve as 'water diplomacy,' enhancing the Netherlands' international reputation and benefiting Dutch engineering firms. The Port of Rotterdam, a significant CO₂ emitter, is shifting focus from fossil fuels to green energy, aiming to become Europe's hydrogen hub. However, the article points out the irony of Rotterdam's focus on adaptation when its port's activities contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, suggesting that mitigation should also be a priority.

Rotterdam, despite being largely below sea level, is a leader in water management and climate change adaptation. The city's mayor, Ahmed Aboutaleb, attended the COP28 climate conference to share Rotterdam's strategies and promote urban climate resilience. Rotterdam is part of the C40 cities network and leads the delta cities network, sharing best practices for climate change mitigation. The city's efforts in water management also serve as 'water diplomacy,' enhancing the Netherlands' international reputation and benefiting Dutch engineering firms. The Port of Rotterdam, a significant CO₂ emitter, is shifting focus from fossil fuels to green energy, aiming to become Europe's hydrogen hub. However, the article points out the irony of Rotterdam's adaptation efforts given the port's greenhouse gas emissions, suggesting a potential need for greater emphasis on emission mitigation.

Rotterdam, a city largely below sea level, is implementing extensive measures to manage the risks of flooding due to climate change. The city's mayor, Ahmed Aboutaleb, emphasizes the importance of climate adaptation and flood resilience, citing the city's history with the devastating 1953 flood and the subsequent creation of the Deltaworks flood prevention program. Rotterdam employs dykes, moveable barriers like the Maeslantkering, and innovative urban solutions such as water plazas and underground storage to manage water levels. The city is also addressing water scarcity through projects like urban waterbuffers. Rotterdam is a leader in knowledge-sharing on water management, participating in networks like C40 and the Connecting Delta Cities network. The city's efforts are part of the Netherlands' broader 'water diplomacy' strategy, positioning itself as a global expert in water management and climate adaptation.

The Maeslantkering, a massive storm surge barrier near Rotterdam, underwent its annual test, drawing hundreds of spectators. The barrier, with arms each longer than the Eiffel Tower, is a critical flood defense for Rotterdam, which lies below sea level. Operated by a central computer system, it closes automatically when water levels rise dangerously. The test ensures the barrier's functionality, which is vital for the city and the economically crucial port of Rotterdam. The barrier has closed only twice outside of tests since its completion in 1997 as part of the Delta Works program. However, with rising sea levels due to climate change, there are concerns about the barrier's long-term viability and its ability to adapt to more frequent closures without affecting the port's operations and maintenance schedules.

The article by Zuza Nazaruk discusses the severe ecological disaster unfolding in Poland and Germany due to the pollution of the River Oder. Over 20 tonnes of dead fish, along with other wildlife, have been found, and the river is expected to take over a decade to recover. The source of the toxin remains unidentified, with initial suspicions of mesitylene and mercury, but high salinity is now also considered a potential cause. The Polish government has been criticized for its slow response, and the Polish Armed Forces have joined the cleanup efforts. The incident has strained Polish-German relations, with Germany accusing Poland of breaking international law by not promptly sharing information about the disaster. Scientists emphasize the resilience of nature, expressing hope that the river's ecosystem will eventually recover, albeit possibly in a different form.

Boas Kragtwijk, an Amsterdam-based ultra-runner, embarked on a 2,500-kilometer run from Amsterdam to Ukraine to raise funds for the Dutch-based foundation Zeilen Van Vrijheid. The foundation, supported by Ukrainian and Belarussian expats, provides medical aid to Ukraine by delivering renovated ambulances and other humanitarian aid. Kragtwijk aims to complete the journey in 50 days, running a marathon distance daily, and hopes to raise €100,000 EUR. By the start of his journey, he had already collected €16,700. Zeilen Van Vrijheid has been active since March 2022 and has already sent 160 ambulances, a medical bus, three fire trucks, and over 500 tons of aid to Ukraine.

The article discusses the efforts of Zeilen van Vrijheid, a Dutch non-profit organization, in providing ambulances and other vehicles to support Ukraine amidst the Russian invasion. Founded by Veronika Mutsei and Daniil Simanov, the organization has delivered over 70 ambulances, a neo-natal vehicle, and a fire truck to Ukrainian cities near combat zones. The foundation leverages migrant networks and includes volunteers from various nationalities, including Eastern European expats. Zeilen van Vrijheid operates with minimal overhead costs and has received support from corporate sponsors like ASBIS enterprise. The organization has also facilitated the transfer of wounded soldiers to a German hospital for medical care. The article highlights the personal connection of the author, Zuza Nazaruk, to the events as an Eastern European migrant in the Netherlands.

The article discusses the challenges and realities of recycling in the Netherlands, despite the country's reputation as a recycling leader. Rob Buurman, director of Recycling Netwerk Benelux, criticizes the Dutch recycling strategy and the way recycling rates are calculated, noting that a significant portion of waste is incinerated or exported rather than truly recycled. The article highlights the new legislation for deposits on small plastic bottles and cans, aiming to improve recycling quality. It also touches on the influence of the packaging industry on recycling strategies and the need for better policies to reduce waste production and consumption. The Dutch government's 2050 Circularity plan is mentioned, which aims to reduce the use of non-organic materials by 50%. The article calls for a shift in focus from recycling to reducing resource consumption and implementing effective environmental policies.