BlueAdapt: safeguarding coastal health in a changing climate

By understanding the impacts of climate change on pathogen transmission, the project helps safeguard both environmental and human health, ensuring resilient communities in the face of climate change. Furthermore, BlueAdapt equips policymakers and the public with the tools and knowledge needed to make informed decisions, fostering effective responses to these emerging health threats.

Understanding the Problem

Coastal communities are increasingly vulnerable to the health risks posed by climate change. Rising temperatures, sea-level rise, and shifting ecosystems contribute to the spread of waterborne diseases and pathogens, putting public health at risk, particularly in areas with limited infrastructure. The urgent need to assess and mitigate these risks is growing as climate change accelerates, making it crucial to understand how these pathogens spread and how they can be managed effectively.

BlueAdapt is tackling this challenge head-on by combining expertise in biology, climate science, economics, epidemiology, and public health. With a consortium of 11 European partners, the project is conducting 8 case studies across Europe to provide actionable insights into the impacts of climate change on coastal health. The results aim to equip both policymakers and the public with the tools and knowledge they need to make informed decisions and safeguard vulnerable coastal communities.

Our Approach and Knowledge

BlueAdapt employs a multidisciplinary approach to quantify and mitigate the health risks associated with climate change and coastal pathogens. By integrating climate science with epidemiology, environmental health, and public policy, the project provides a comprehensive assessment of how climate change affects the transmission of harmful pathogens in coastal regions.

The consortium uses state-of-the-art climate models and health data to simulate future scenarios, predicting the effects of rising temperatures, sea-level changes, and shifting ecosystems on pathogen dynamics. These models offer critical insights into the risks posed by climate change and enable us to create tailored solutions for protecting public health in coastal communities.

Deltares’ Role

Deltares plays a central role in BlueAdapt, leading the work package for ‘Adaptation Case Studies’ and contributing to the investigation of the connection between pathogens and climate change (WP3). Deltares is also responsible for modeling the impacts of climate change on pathogen transport in coastal zones (WP4), with specific case studies in the Netherlands. Our expertise in environmental modelling and risk assessment is pivotal in understanding how climate change influences pathogen distribution and in developing actionable solutions to mitigate these risks.

Case Studies: Real-World Solutions

BlueAdapt’s research is grounded in real-world applications, with two key case studies implemented in the Netherlands. These case studies are helping to refine our understanding of the relationship between climate change and pathogen transmission, providing a practical basis for future policy decisions.

Grevelingen Lake Case Study:

The Grevelingen Lake case study focuses on the relationship between Vibrio bacteria and high algal biomass. Researchers are implementing regular monitoring, molecular experiments, and microcosms to investigate how these factors interact. By collaborating closely with researchers from the University of Exeter and Bangor University , Deltares is contributing to shared methods of microbial experimentation. The knowledge gained from this study will allow us to map the distribution of Vibrio bacteria more precisely, especially under the influence of climate change, and provide valuable data for managing public health risks.

Katwijk Case Study:

The Katwijk case study aims to develop a real-time forecasting tool for pathogens in coastal bathing waters. By coupling different modelling components, this tool will predict the fate and transport of faecal bacteria from effluents and combined sewer overflows based on meteorological conditions. This early warning system will enable local authorities to inform the public about real-time water quality, particularly during high-risk periods. The system will also be integral to the toolkit developed by the CMCC, assisting policymakers in managing the risks associated with coastal pathogens and the impacts of climate change.

Collaborative Efforts for Effective Solutions

BlueAdapt is a collaborative effort, with Deltares working alongside key partners to develop a common analytical framework for assessing climate-driven health risks in coastal areas. Using the DPSEEA (Driving force, Pressure, State, Exposure, Effect, and Action) framework, Deltares ensures that all case studies are evaluated using a consistent set of indicators. This unified approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of how climate change influences coastal health risks and informs effective policy responses.

Through the combined expertise of our interdisciplinary team and our collaborative partners, BlueAdapt is producing results that will help policymakers and public health professionals respond more effectively to the challenges posed by climate change. From predictive models to early warning systems, the tools and knowledge developed by BlueAdapt will guide decisions that protect vulnerable coastal populations and promote resilient, healthy ecosystems for the future.