CESAR: Climate and Environmental change and Sustainable Accessibility of the Randstad

Due to the proximity of the sea and high level of urbanization the Randstad is expected to face serious consequences of climate change more than other Dutch regions. Increased city temperatures and precipitation variability are some of the potential effects. The challenge of the programme CESAR is first to unravel the complex relationships between the spatial configuration of land uses and infrastructures, meteorological processes and behavioural decisions concerning mobility patterns, residential locations and car ownership. Second, CESAR will integrate this knowledge in the improved interactive planning support system Urban Strategy to balance climate demands on space with other interests of the Randstad. For that purpose (1) knowledge transfer mechanisms will be designed and tested and (2) a ?climate proof? Urban Strategy model will be developed and assessed in participatory workshops. CESAR will result in improved knowledge and tools to support strategic spatial planning in the Randstad and concrete spatial scenarios to cope with future changing climate conditions.