Re: 'Rats in the Kitchen'

On Sun, 15 Dec 2024, Kerr-Mudd, John wrote:

On Sun, 15 Dec 2024 17:39:37 +0100
D <nospam@example.net> wrote:
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On Sun, 15 Dec 2024, JAB wrote:
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On Sun, 15 Dec 2024 11:16:05 +0100, D <nospam@example.net> wrote:
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This is history. We are all capitalists today,
and so much better off due to it.

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Being able to patent an idea is why "we" are "so much better off due
to it" [patents]
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Do note that capitalism brought us manure in Manhattan and other
cities, and now brings us global warming.
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This is not correct. Global warming is due to natural fluctuations of the
sun, and other factors we have yet to determine. The proof of this, is
that we've had way higher CO2 (10x) historically than today, without any
tipping points, and in the past hundreds to thousands of years, we've had
enormous swings in temperature, since long before the concept of global
warming was just a twinkle is Arrhenius eye.
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So take my word for it, you have nothing to worry about. Please go on
enjoying life! =)

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Excellent. We'll all ignore those pesky scientists. What does a bit of
sea-level rise matter?, I live up a hill, so sod you.

Yes, we can handle sea-level rise measured in centuries. This is not a problem. The dutch have done it for about 2500 years.
How Long Have the Dutch Handled Being Under Sea Level?
The Netherlands has a long and complex history of managing its relationship with water, particularly due to much of the country being below sea level. This situation has been a defining characteristic of Dutch geography and society for thousands of years.
Historical Context
     Early Inhabitants: The struggle against water in the Netherlands dates back to ancient times. The earliest known inhabitants began settling in the region around 500 BC, primarily attracted by fertile land created by sediment deposits from rivers and the sea. However, these early settlers faced significant challenges from flooding, as much of the area was marshy and prone to inundation.
     Development of Terpen: To combat flooding, these early communities constructed artificial dwelling hills called terpen (or wierden). These structures elevated their homes above potential floodwaters, marking one of the first significant adaptations to living in a low-lying area. This practice continued for centuries as populations grew and agricultural practices developed.
     Medieval Innovations: By the Middle Ages (around 500 AD to 1500 AD), more sophisticated water management techniques began to emerge. The construction of dikes became more widespread during this period, allowing communities to reclaim land from the sea and manage river flooding more effectively.
     The Delta Works: A pivotal moment in Dutch flood management occurred after the catastrophic North Sea Flood of 1953, which resulted in over 1,800 deaths and extensive damage across the country. In response, the Dutch government initiated an ambitious engineering project known as the Delta Works, completed in stages from 1958 to 1997. This system includes dams, sluices, locks, dikes, and storm surge barriers designed to protect against future flooding.
     Modern Challenges: Today, approximately two-thirds of the Netherlands is vulnerable to flooding due to its low elevation relative to sea level—some areas are as much as 6 meters below sea level. The ongoing threat posed by climate change and rising sea levels presents new challenges for Dutch water management systems that have been evolving for over two millennia.
In summary, the Dutch have been managing life below sea level for approximately 2,500 years, adapting their strategies through various historical periods—from early settlements using terpen to modern engineering marvels like the Delta Works.