Arnhem to open first climate damage service desk in the Netherlands

Arnhem is the first municipality to set up a special service desk for climate damage. Residents can visit the service desk for advice and support in the case that their home is damaged by issues related to the change in weather conditions, the municipality explained. Examples of this would be water damage or damp issues.

Extreme weather is occurring more frequently in the Netherlands, according to the KNMI’s annual reports. Global warming also leads to the opposite effect in some cases. This means that summers are becoming drier on the one hand, but at the same time, the risk of heavy showers is increasing, since warm air can absorb more water vapor.

The climate service desk in Arnhem is an extension of an existing service desk that helps residents with house foundation issues. Especially with wooden foundations, numerous problems can arise due to drought or excessive rainfall.

Arnhem has been designated by the national government as one of the “leading municipalities” within the nationwide learning approach to house foundation problems. Knowledge gained in Arnhem is intended to be applicable in other regions as well.

The expansion of the service fits within Arnhem’s long-term “Climate Adaptation Strategy 2020–2030.” This strategy focuses on strengthening the city against extreme weather events such as heat, drought, and flooding, with measures spread across nine themes and an implementation agenda involving partners and residents.

The desk will open on December 1. It will mainly be digital, but a visiting hour is also scheduled once a month.