Melanie Schultz-Van Haegen, Foto: Raoul Somers, copyright KNMI
The strength of the KNMI lies in its combination of developing knowledge and applying it in practice. Things were not so different 150 years ago. Just listen to this quote by Buys Ballot, from the 1860 annual report:

'In the work of both departments of the Institute, science and its practical application went hand in hand. The effective collection of observations enriches science and makes advantageous applications possible.'

It is that combination of work areas which features as the central theme in the recently launched innovation programme at the KNMI. Knowledge and application are still the two main pillars of the Institute. 'How does the KNMI combine its research role with its practical duties?' After 150 years, that question is still relevant.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
The eminent and highly expert speakers that preceded me have already spoken at length about the importance of up-to-date, reliable climatological research. I naturally support that vision wholeheartedly. One of the important aspects of climatological research is its impact on our safety. Allow me to explain what I mean by briefly referring to the current water management policy of the Dutch cabinet.

Good water management policy greatly depends on reliable knowledge about the climate. Let me make that clear from the start.

The KNMI report that appeared last year, 'The State of the Dutch Climate', showed that the Netherlands is becoming wetter and warmer. That development will only continue throughout this century. The average temperature worldwide will rise by between one and six degrees, and that will lead to more precipitation and rising sea levels. These developments will have serious consequences. Not quite as serious as the Hollywood-style doomsday scenario depicted in a recent Pentagon report, but we do need to take action. Not tomorrow, but now!

And the Dutch cabinet is very much aware of that. That's why we have formulated new water policy objectives, based in part on the KNMI's knowledge and research. The most important change in our approach to water and safety is that we need to anticipate instead of respond to new developments. In concrete terms, this means reinforcing our dikes and dunes and leaving more room for water. That last point in particular is an especially important change compared with traditional views on water management. The most important factor in leaving more room for water is the trio: retain, store, and only then drain away. It is clear to me that we need to give water more room, before the water takes over more room for itself. That could only have very serious negative consequences for our citizens and our economy.

The Netherlands is not only growing wetter, it is also growing warmer. The record heat and drought of last summer is the best evidence of this trend. Good money, great development, I can see some beach restaurants and sun worshipers thinking, but that is a very shortsighted view. The economic and ecological damage caused by water shortages is an issue that deserves serious and structural attention. The damage caused by the bone-dry summer of 1976, for example, was more serious than the damage from the flooding in 1998.

Knowledge about climate change is constantly developing and producing new insights. The KNMI obviously plays a crucial role in that process. In the annual report I referred to a few moments ago, Buys Ballot described it in these words in 1860:

'I believe that the number of measurements will first need to be expanded before the great likelihood of the prediction that is already present can be further increased.'

In short, the scientists and weather experts demonstrate an unstoppable thirst for knowledge. They never know enough and always see room for improvement. In 1860, for example, Buys Ballot was already quite impressed with the level of knowledge about the climate, but it could always be better.

Awareness of the importance of good, thorough climatological research for our environment and our safety and security is widely shared, both nationally and internationally.

For example, I recently attended an Earth Observation summit in Tokyo. Far-reaching agreements were made at this summit, which included representatives from 43 countries, 26 international organisations and the EU. The agreements concerned a global network of observation satellites that will give governments even better, more up-to-date information about the climate and the environment. The aim is to improve national and international policies on climate, water management and air quality. The Tokyo summit is an example of the growing influence of climate-related data on the policies of governments all over the world.

Climate-related data also plays an important role in safety measures. For example, the KNMI weather forecasts determine whether or not to close the flood barriers, or to issue weather alerts and warnings for road traffic and shipping.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
I think that I have now sufficiently praised the role and influence of the KNMI. And of course you don't come to a party with just pretty words, but also with a lovely and appropriate gift. If I had wanted to be silly, perhaps an umbrella or parasol would have been appropriate. But such a sound and reliable knowledge institute as the KNMI deserves a more serious gift.

The KNMI will have four researcher trainee posts for a period of four years. These four posts will support the Climate Dynamics chair at Utrecht University and scientific studies at the Buys Ballot Research School. That chair will be continued for five years, but it will then be called the 'Buys Ballot chair'.

This gift serves a dual purpose. On the one hand, it reinforces the social, groundbreaking research of the KNMI. On the other hand, it contributes to education and to strengthening the academic knowledge infrastructure.

Fundamental research about weather and climate has great value for society. The KNMI has proved that more than adequately for the past 150 years, continuing in the spirit of its founder, Buys Ballot. I have the utmost confidence in the ability of the KNMI to achieve the same excellent results in the coming 150 years.

Thank you.