Kabat et al (2009) - Dutch coasts

Question 1

How many live in the Netherlands coastal areas — vast regions at an elevation
below sea level?

Answer 1

9 million.

Question 2

Roughly how much of the country’s gross national product is in this region at an elevation below sea level?

Answer 2

Roughly 65% of the country’s gross national product — about €400 billion.

The harbours and airports scattered throughout the lowlands are vital to the country’s infrastructure and serve as important international transport routes for people and goods. Furthermore, the coastal lowlands host a number of the country’s goods and services industries.

Question 3

Flood safety standards of dykes in The Netherlands.

Answer 3

The current level of protection ranges from flooding probability of 1 in 1,250 per year inland to 1 in 10,000 per year along the coast.