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Articles on Stormwater

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Mississippi River flooding left parts of Davenport, Iowa, under water in May 2023. KC McGinnis/For The Washington Post via Getty Images

America’s aging flood control infrastructure is failing – federal funding is coming, but too often new construction relies on old data

Flood risks are rising, yet communities may spend millions of dollars in federal infrastructure funding on systems that aren’t built to handle them.
Pickup trucks creep through flood waters in Richland, Miss., following a morning of torrential rains in August 2022. AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis

What is a flash flood? A civil engineer explains

Flash flooding can happen in both urban and rural areas, with deadly results in either setting.
Although it is important to have a diversity of tree species in urban landscapes, planting and protecting taller species should be strongly encouraged. (Shutterstock)

Large trees are essential for healthy cities

There is a growing interest in planting small trees in urban areas. However, large trees have significant advantages.
The effects of climate change are heightened in urban areas and impose a high financial burden to the municipalities. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Warmer, wetter, wilder: 38 million people in the Great Lakes region are threatened by climate change

Shoreline communities are already faltering under the weight of billions of dollars in damages — and worrying that climate change will continue to make things even worse.
Investing in natural assets like ponds can help prevent cities from flooding — and save municipalities money. (Shutterstock)

How investing in green infrastructure can jump-start the post-coronavirus economy

Natural assets produce important city services and complement engineered infrastructure. Investing in natural assets can help protect our environment, reduce municipal service costs and create jobs.
Cities can prepare for climate change emergencies by adding green spaces to help manage stormwater, heat stress and air quality. (Shutterstock)

How cities can add accessible green space in a post-coronavirus world

The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the lack of green space available to those living in urban areas. Cities must be managed as ecosystems to make them more liveable and resilient.
Access to the shoreline is great, but what about places not on the coast? Béju (Happy City, Street Plan, University of Virginia)

‘Blue’ space: Access to water features can boost city dwellers’ mental health

Research into public health benefits of integrating nature into cities has focused on green spaces. New studies suggest water features are just as useful and can piggyback on other infrastructure goals.
Ontario Environmental Commissioner Dianne Saxe released her annual environmental report on Nov. 13, 2018. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn)

Scrapping environmental watchdog is like shooting the messenger

Premier Doug Ford’s proposal to downgrade Ontario’s environmental watchdog is bad news for the environment, public health and safety, and evidence-based decision-making.

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