The impact of climate change is apparent everywhere, sea-levels are rising, and regional extreme weather and flood events are becoming more frequent, threatening the habitats of humans and wildlife. In May 2010, a flood wave on the River Oder inundated Brandeburg and Poland. In August 2010, hundreds of thousand of people hat to flee from the water which the heavy monsoon rains brought with them. More recently floods in Australia destroyed over 40 cities and become a great danger for the renowned Great Barrier Reef.
This and other consequences of climate change for flood protection will be at the focus of acqua alta 2011. This unique event is a meeting place for decision makers from industry, science and government, for discussion of effective strategies for the future. At a venue in Hamburg, where water has always been a key factor in people’s lives.