2 PhD's on nature-based approaches for climate adaptation in Dutch lowland

Climate change, biodiversity loss, and the competition for space due to economic development pose increasing threats to the Netherlands. To maintain a safe, economically viable, and biodiverse environment, fundamental changes are needed in our land use, soil management, and water management. In this context, transitioning towards Nature-Based adaptation becomes increasingly important.

Your job
As part of the Nationaal Groeifonds programme NL2120, the Department of Physical Geography at Utrecht University explores adaptation approaches for Dutch rivers and peatlands. We are seeking two PhD candidates who are eager to contribute to this climate adaptation challenge through two separate projects.

Sustainable RiverScapes (Position 1) aims to develop integrated nature-based strategies for the Dutch river areas to adapt to the changing climate and enhance biodiversity. The challenge is to find adaptation solutions that optimize flood safety, sedimentation, biodiversity, and balance cost and benefits. You will extend and apply the RiverScape model, which simulates the hydro-morphological effects of nature-based interventions in the river-floodplain area. Using field observations with state-of-the-art instruments enabled by the new Delta-ENIGMA facility, you will quantitatively analyze floodplain vegetation and sediment dynamics to develop new vegetation and sediment modules in RiverScape. Subsequently, you will evaluate different strategies under a range of future scenarios to assess how nature-based approaches can contribute to the climate adaptation of river landscapes.

Sustainable Peatlands (Position 2) aims to develop strategies for the sustainable development and climate-resilient use of peatland areas to enhance carbon sequestration and biodiversity, and to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. To date, it is unknown how drained peatlands can be optimally used as nature-based solutions from a greenhouse gas perspective, and what water and soil management measures are required. Fundamental understanding of the natural dynamics of peatland systems is still needed. For this research, a unique peatland growth pilot is being developed in the province of Friesland. Field measurements at the pilot site and in other peatlands, laboratory measurements, and numerical models will be used to investigate peat growth, carbon storage, and greenhouse gas emissions under changing conditions such as groundwater levels. In this project, you will quantify and monitor carbon sequestration under different conditions in peatland areas across the Netherlands, identify the role of the water system and other controls on carbon sequestration, and develop strategies to make polders climate-neutral.

Within the NL2120 project, both PhDs will integrate their results with studies on governance and economics conducted at other universities and by external parties (Deltares, WUR, NGOs, water boards, and Rijkswaterstaat).

To support academic and personal development, PhD candidates will follow courses and assist in teaching Earth Sciences at the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels. Together, these activities amount to twenty percent of the contracted time.