US cities are doing green infrastructure, but in bits and pieces. Today’s climate-driven floods require a much broader approach to create true sponge cities that are built to soak up water.
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A new report sets out the practical ways New Zealand can improve its urban resilience to flooding due to climate change. But time, rather than money, is of the essence.
Flood and cyclone damage shows why turning Auckland and other urban parts of New Zealand into ‘sponge cities’ is the right idea. But overseas experience from China and beyond shows it won’t be cheap.
The more hard surfaces we build, the more stormwater we need to drain. Auckland must future-proof its urban design as climate change bites.
To keep up with climate-related disasters, we need transformational solutions. These range from ‘sponge cities’ and floating houses to putting out bushfires minutes after they start.
Flood threatened settlements must get everyone involved in an effort to become truly resilient cities.
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.
Top contributors
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Associate Professor of Environmental Sciences, University of Nottingham
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Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
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Professor of Design and Health and Director of the Center of Design and Health at the Architecture School, University of Virginia
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Professor, York St John University
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Head, Disaster Solutions, Australian National University
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Professor of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering and Director, Sustainable Water Resource Engineering Laboratory, Drexel University
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Senior Lecturer in Geography, York St John University
