Climate adaptation

All indications show that the future weather will be both wetter and wilder, and at the same time, sea levels are according to UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) expected to rise by up to approximately 1 meter by the year 2100. Due to increased precipitation and rising sea levels, the problems with water from above, below, and the sides will therefore only become more significant in the years to come. At WatsonC, we take a holistic approach to the challenges posed by climate change. We have expertise in groundwater, rainwater, storm surges, and waves, allowing us to develop integrated solutions which spans across the entire range of water related problems due to climate changes, whether threat is related to groundwater from below, inland flooding or storm surge from the sea. Another aspect of climate change is uncertainty—both in terms of how quickly we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and how accurately scientists can predict future climate developments or sea level rise. Therefore, we fundamentally work with adaptive solutions that can be adjusted, elevated, and reinforced as forecasts become more precise or if the challenges escalate. At the other end of the climate adaptation spectrum, we work with peatlands restoration projects which reduce greenhouse gas emissions from peatlands by restoring the natural hydrology in the area.

Consultancy on climate adaptation

High groundwater levels

We provide consulting on managing high groundwater levels. We identify the root cause of the problem, assess future scenarios, and collaboratively determine the best solution. For instance, establishing drainage systems or ditches while considering the area's ecological value, landowners, and other stakeholders.

Forecasting

We develop data-driven forecasts that require relatively few inputs and can be linked to locations with existing water level measurement series. Our method is based on artificial intelligence using neural networks. Specifically, we apply a transformer network called Temporal Fusion Transformers, the same technology used to model temporal relationships that has revolutionized language models like ChatGPT in recent years.

Sea level rise and adaptive solutions

We provide guidance on selecting emission scenarios (IPCC climate scenarios) to determine the regional forecast for sea level rise. Since projections of future sea level rise are highly uncertain, we prioritize adaptive solutions which can be adjusted as new knowledge emerges about the actual sea level rise.

Storm surges

We advise on selecting appropriate protection levels based on acceptable risk during storm surges, the values being protected, and the lifetime of the project. We recommend optimal solutions depending on whether waves are occurring simultaneously with a storm surge.