HydroEurope Project: Assessing uncertainties on advanced hydrological and hydraulic modelling, climate change impacts on flash floods, and accidental water pollution, in six catchments in Europe

Keywords: Europe, education, basins, uncertainty, flash flood, climate change, water pollution

Education remains one of the main driving forces in Europe, with educational institutions playing a central role in training future professionals. Strengthening educational strategies provides a comparative advantage to societies and communities facing challenges, particularly those related to natural hazards such as storms, floods and heatwaves. According to the European Environment Agency, climate-related hazards pose significant risks to human health and ecosystems, leading to considerable economic losses. In 2023, Europe experienced losses of around €43.9 billion, a figure that has increase steadily over the last 30 years. Additionally, the World Bank reports that floods alone affect on average 2 million people annually in Europe.

In response to these challenges, education and training initiatives are crucial, particularly for students nearing the end of their studies and preparing to enter the work market. One such initiative is the HydroEurope project, which tackles climate-related hazards within training for students. This innovative program combines real-world water issues with academic training, focused on six European basins. The Var-Vésubie basin in the southeast France (French Riviera), the Ahr basin in West Central Europe (border region of Belgium, Luxemburg and Germany), the Tordera basin in the north east of Spain (Catalonia), the Tervuren basin in central Belgium, the Upper Skawa in the south of Poland (border region of Czech Republic) and the Ouseburn basin in the north east of the UK). Universities in six countries are represented in the project:  Universitè Côte d’Azur, Brandenburgische Technische Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Politecnhika Warszawska, and Newcastle University.

The HydroEurope project, spanning three years, addresses three key challenges: uncertainty in hydrological and hydraulic modelling, the effects of climate change on flash flood frequency, and accidental water pollution in water bodies. By examining these issues, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the water cycle and develop skills to mitigate climate-related hazards.

The project involved extensive work by students and teachers across the six study areas, covering basins with varied weather and land conditions. They evaluated the impact of storms and extreme events in past, present, and future scenarios, assessed modelling uncertainties, and investigated water pollution. This analysis provided a broader perspective on climate-related disasters in Europe, considering the geographic diversity of the study sites. Students learned to select appropriate tools, measurements, and strategies for specific challenges, preparing them to approach water issues from a pan-European perspective.

The project achieved its objectives, producing over 18 teaching units, tutorials, guides, and other educational materials that enhanced the understanding of the study areas. Students created reports and presentations offering insights into the case studies and methodologies, which are available on the project’s website (https://hydroeurope.upc.edu/).

This article highlights the significant work done during the program, showcasing the analysis and information generated by students. The HydroEurope initiative has not only provided valuable educational experiences but also contributed to addressing critical climate-related issues through research and practical solutions.