Designers are expected to create solutions for social issues with their knowledge, vision and expertise. The rising sea level threatens our country, which is largely below sea level. As clear as the map published in Vrij Nederland, it is so complex to avert this disaster or to make a scenario of the consequences.

Designers and artists are known for their innovative skills and coming up with new ideas that can bring about change. We wish we could present a redesigned society or launch a product that offers a solution. We wish we could present the unanimous solution here, a sensible product, which you can purchase for just a few bucks, but unfortunately, we cannot.

To be honest, we lack confidence that as a designer we can provide an actual solution to a complex problem this size. At the same time we realise that a lack of confidence in one’s own impact and not taking responsibility is part of this social issue. In fact, shifting responsibility is at the heart of climate issues, global warming and rising sea levels.

With a great deal of awe, we recently received this flyer from Prof. Sayon, which promises to solve many of your problems, even the most desperate things. On 25 October we visited this medium in his practice in The Hague to hand over the problem of rising sea level. Foreseeing the future, he confirmed that the Netherlands will be flooded. In addition he stated that the problem is solvable. We are happy to outsource the resolution of this disaster to him. With great respect, we present to you his confidence to bring about change.

— Christa van der Meer & Anouk van Klaveren