Summers are getting hotter, and the risk of extreme drought is increasing. The ‘Thirsty Cities’ and ‘Fertile Soils’ research projects focus on making cities and society more resilient to climate change and water scarcity. Both projects were launched in 2025 with funding from the Dutch Research Council. Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences played a key role in this endeavour. Niels Baars, Remco Peters and Soufiane El-Irhani contributed to these two research projects through their final-year research.
Thirsty Cities
The Thirsty Cities project examines ways in which Dutch cities can become more resilient in the face of increasing droughts and water shortages resulting from climate change. The project focuses on the consequences for people, nature, buildings and infrastructure. In collaboration with local authorities, research institutions and industry partners, the project is developing knowledge, tools and practical approaches to create a built environment that is both climate-resilient and water-robust.
Remco Peters' research project focuses on the impact of drought on water users
For this project, he conducted research into the consequences of drought in cities for various water users, including households, businesses and green spaces. In collaboration with water authorities and the City of Rotterdam, he examined the roles of drinking water, surface water and groundwater.
As there is currently little overall understanding of this issue, Remco developed a method to identify vulnerable water users and the reasons for their vulnerability.
In doing so, he looked at three aspects: exposure (the extent to which the user is affected by drought), sensitivity (how dependent the user is on water) and adaptive capacity (the extent to which a user can adapt).
Remco said, ‘My research shows that the consequences of drought depend heavily on local circumstances. In Rotterdam, for instance, the main issue is often water quality rather than shortages. This method provides valuable insights into vulnerability. However, further research is needed before this can inform policy.’
Soufiane El-Irhani’s research focuses on using data to tackle drought
Drought often only becomes noticeable once the damage is already visible, by which point it is too late. Student Soufiane El-Irhani explains: ‘By identifying drought at an earlier stage, for example through changes in groundwater levels, we can intervene more quickly and limit the damage.’
Using available groundwater data, he developed an analytical method. He used this method to map the impact of precipitation deficits on subsoil and urban green spaces. To achieve this, he examined data from two different neighbourhoods in Rotterdam and analysed satellite images to evaluate the condition of green spaces.
His research shows that changes in weather and groundwater often only affect urban green spaces over time. It also reveals that the situation can vary from place to place, for example due to the influence of tides. This knowledge enables managers to identify droughts more effectively and protect the vitality of urban green spaces.
Fertile Soils
Green-blue structures are areas where green spaces and bodies of water are interconnected. Fertile Soils examines how these areas can strengthen the link between urban and rural regions. The project also examines how landscape services, such as water storage and biodiversity, can help to make regions more resilient in the future.
Niels Baars’ research project focuses on the consequences of further rising water levels.
Commissioned by the City of Rotterdam, the project investigated how the Rijnmond-Drechtsteden region can prepare for a future characterised by rising sea levels, salinisation, and more extreme water levels.
‘There are multiple interests at play in the region,’ says Niels. ‘For example, the port, nature, agriculture and housing. This makes it difficult to make choices. What would happen if the region opted for stronger dykes? Or for allowing more space for water and natural processes? Using various future scenarios, I mapped out the consequences of these choices.’
His research shows that there is no perfect solution. Every strategy has its pros and cons. The model he developed helps us to better understand these consequences and engage in dialogue with the relevant parties.
Significant contribution
Through their research, the students made a significant contribution to the 'Sustainable Delta' societal challenge. According to the jury report, their research is a perfect match for this strategic theme.
The report states the following, ‘The students worked as fully-fledged researchers within Dutch Research Council projects. Their work demonstrates how practice-oriented research can contribute to knowledge development, innovation, and finding solutions to tomorrow's challenges. Together with their lecturer-researchers, the three students succeeded in closely linking education, research and practice.’
The Future Makers Awards
The Future Makers Awards are presented annually during the opening ceremony to projects in which education, research and the professional field collaborate on societal challenges. There is a prize for each of the challenges that Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences is committed to: Future-Proof Economy, Sustainable Delta, Vibrant Community and Smart & Social City .