scholarly journals Urban Stormwater Management, a Tool for Adapting to Climate Change: From Risk to Resource

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 2616
Author(s):  
María Hernández-Hernández ◽  
Jorge Olcina ◽  
Álvaro-Francisco Morote
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
Water Demand ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Rainwater Harvesting ◽  
Flood Hazard ◽  
Demand Management ◽  
Urban Water Management ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
The City

The effects of climate change on rainfall in the Mediterranean region are manifested in an overall decreasing trend, and greater irregularity in annual volumes and the city of Alicante is no exception. In addition, there has also been a spread of the urbanised area, which has led to an increase in the flood risk in urban areas (due to a greater runoff and the occupation of flood hazard areas) and drought events due to an increase in the water demand. In light of these new scenarios, the Mediterranean cities should design adaptation systems based on rainwater harvesting within the framework of a circular economy. This study analyses the integration of rainwater in flood and water demand management in the city of Alicante (Southern Spain). In recent years, this city has developed infrastructures in order to use these resources. To do this, different databases have been analysed (rainfall and volume of water collected in the green infrastructure systems). The results reveal that stormwater has become highly important in urban water management in Alicante as the city is now using a resource that previously went to waste and created problems (flooding and pollution). By way of conclusion, it is worth mentioning that the incorporation of rainwater for urban use in Alicante has reduced the pressure on traditional resources in satisfying water demand and has also acted as a measure for adapting to climate change.

A conceptual framework for addressing complexity and unfolding transition dynamics when developing sustainable adaption strategies in urban water management

2012 ◽  
Vol 66 (11) ◽  
pp. 2393-2401 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. F. Fratini ◽  
M. Elle ◽  
M. B. Jensen ◽  
P. S. Mikkelsen
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Water Management ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
System Optimization ◽  
Urban Water ◽  
Urban Water Management ◽  
Adaptation To Climate Change ◽  
Sustainable Transition

To achieve a successful and sustainable adaptation to climate change we need to transform the way we think about change. Much water management research has focused on technical innovation with a range of new solutions developed to achieve a ‘more sustainable and integrated urban water management cycle’. But Danish municipalities and utility companies are struggling to bring such solutions into practice. ‘Green infrastructure’, for example, requires the consideration of a larger range of aspects related to the urban context than the traditional urban water system optimization. There is the need for standardized methods and guidelines to organize transdisciplinary processes where different types of knowledge and perspectives are taken into account. On the basis of the macro–meso–micro pattern inspired by complexity science and transition theory, we developed a conceptual framework to organize processes addressing the complexity characterizing urban water management in the context of climate change. In this paper the framework is used to organize a research process aiming at understanding and unfolding urban dynamics for sustainable transition. The final goal is to enable local authorities and utilities to create the basis for managing and catalysing the technical and organizational innovation necessary for a sustainable transition towards climate change adaptation in urban areas.

scholarly journals Water demand management – shifting urban water management towards sustainability

2007 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 49-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Kayaga ◽  
I. Smout ◽  
H. Al-Maskati
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Water Resources ◽  
Water Demand ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Demand Management ◽  
High Rate ◽  
World Population ◽  
Urban Water ◽  
Urban Water Management ◽  
Water Demand Management

Whereas the world population is increasing at a high rate, especially in urban areas, water resources have not only remained constant, but are being polluted at a high rate, which inevitably results in fresh water scarcity. Current urban water management concepts and practices cannot adequately respond to these changes. There is need for water professionals to change the way they manage water resources in urban areas if we are to ensure economic and environmental sustainability. In addition to consideration of supply-side options, we need to apply water demand management (WDM) tools both on the utility and end-user sides. This paper describes the basic concepts of WDM, provides a case study of their application in Bahrain, and briefly introduces the five-year EU-funded SWTCH Project that aims at creating a paradigm shift in urban water management practices.

scholarly journals Flood modeling can make a difference: Disaster risk-reduction and resilience-building in urban areas

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge A. Ramirez ◽  
Umamaheshwaran Rajasekar ◽  
Dhruvesh P. Patel ◽  
Tom J. Coulthard ◽  
Margreth Keiler
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Critical Infrastructure ◽  
Flood Hazard ◽  
High Tide ◽  
Geographic Location ◽  
Water Levels ◽  
Flood Peak ◽  
Flood Exposure ◽  
The City

Abstract. Surat, India is a coastal city with a population of approximately 4.5 million people that lies on the banks of the river Tapi and is located 100 km downstream from the Ukai dam. Given Surat's geographic location the city is repeatedly exposed to flooding caused by large emergency dam releases into the Tapi river combined with high tide water levels. Flood events of this type occur twice a decade, but their frequency and magnitude may increase due to the urbanization, encroachment in flood plain and climate change. A first step towards strengthening resilience in Surat requires a robust method for mapping flood exposure at fine spatial resolution. Here, in this study we have developed such a method for Surat using a reduced-complexity hydrodynamic model to simulate flooding, but is easily transferable to other urban locations. Our method features three distinct phases that involve: (1) modelling dam release discharge from the Ukai dam arriving at Surat, (2) modelling flooding within Surat caused by the combination of dam release and tides, and, (3) identifying Surat critical infrastructure, population, and income groups exposed to flooding. Our flood model of Surat utilizes topography produced using elevation data collected from an extensive survey. Within the city we have modelled flood scenarios that represent the uncertainty in flood peak discharge and duration resulting from possible climate change. These scenarios include catastrophic conditions that flood 50 % of the city and expose > 60 % of the population and critical infrastructure to deep flooding. Finally, we highlight how our modelling has contributed to changes in flood risk management within the city following a major flood and resulted in actions that have increased community resilience to flood hazard.

Assessment of the role of green infrastructure in sustainable urban water management

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ágnes Gulyás ◽  
Ákos Csete
Keyword(s):  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
Surface Runoff ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Rainwater Harvesting ◽  
Water Cycle ◽  
Urban Water ◽  
Urban Water Management ◽  
Sustainable Urban Water Management ◽  
Harvesting Systems

<p>Due to the climate change caused uncertainty, the urban areas face new challenges. In addition to mitigating the negative effects, it is important the developments need to implemented in a sustainable manner. The problem of urban areas is substantial on account of their growing spatial size and population, furthermore the inadequate infrastructure. Urban districts with inadequate infrastructure can be a major source of water pollution, but also have a significant impact on the well-being of the citizens. In modern urban planning the sustainable urban water management based on the usage of green infrastructure. Green infrastructure is an important tool to make urban water cycle sustainable by linking artificial, engineered elements (gray infrastructure) with the services provided by vegetation. Green infrastructure can help to make the urban water cycle sustainable in many ways. Its primary role is the mitigating effect, such as reducing and retaining surface runoff with the process of interception and evaporation. Due to the complex structure of vegetation, it can also play an important role in infiltration (by root system), thus also reducing surface runoff.</p><p>Providing adequate data on the role of green infrastructure <strong>–</strong> even on a city-wide scale <strong>–</strong> can help decision makers. To accomplish this, hydrological models can play an important role. If these models (i-Tree Hydro) based on appropriate meteorological and land cover data, they can help to estimate the runoff and infiltration of study areas and the reducing effect of vegetation (interception, evaporation). In our study, we attempted to compare two significantly different urban district based on these aspects and to analyze the differences. Analyzes in the two study areas of Szeged (Hungary) all suggest the vegetation can significantly contribute to the reduction of surface runoff. Differences between these urban districts can be quantified so these data can serve as a basis for decision making in urban planning processes.</p><p>As another element of our research, we analyzed the relationship between surface runoff and infiltration in modeling study (SWMM) of rainwater harvesting systems in public institutions (kindergartens). In this part of the research, besides the efficiency of the rainwater harvesting systems, we got data about the extent of surface runoff, evaporation and infiltration on yard of kindergartens.</p>

scholarly journals Exposure to Floods, Climate Change, and Poverty in Vietnam

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mook Bangalore ◽  
Andrew Smith ◽  
Ted Veldkamp
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Flood Hazard ◽  
National Level ◽  
Climate Change Impacts ◽  
Ho Chi Minh City ◽  
Poor People ◽  
Socioeconomic Conditions ◽  
Socioeconomic Data ◽  
The City ◽  
Level Analysis

Abstract. With 70 percent of its population living in coastal areas and low-lying deltas, Vietnam is highly exposed to riverine and coastal flooding. This paper examines the exposure of the population and poor people in particular to current and future flooding in Vietnam and specifically in Ho Chi Minh City, using new high-resolution flood hazard maps and spatial socioeconomic data. The national-level analysis finds that a third of today’s population is already exposed to a flood, which occurs once every 25 years, assuming no protection. For the same return period flood under current socioeconomic conditions, climate change may increase the number exposed to 38 to 46 percent of the population. Climate change impacts can make frequent events as important as rare ones: the estimates suggest a 25-year flood under future conditions can expose more people than a 200-year flood under current conditions. Although poor districts are not found to be more exposed to floods at the national level, the city-level analysis of Ho Chi Minh City provides evidence that slum areas are highly exposed. The results of this paper show the benefits of investing today in flood risk management, and can provide guidance as to where future investments may be targeted.

scholarly journals Model Cities for Resilience: Climate-led Initiatives

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-58
Author(s):  
Didem Gunes Yilmaz ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Global Warming ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Climate Change Mitigation ◽  
Sustainable Cities ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Urban Water Management ◽  
Model Cities ◽  
Taking Action ◽  
Change Mitigation

Paris Agreement of December 2015 was the last official initiative led by the United Nations (UN) as the driver of climate change mitigation. Climate change was hence linked with an increase in the occurrence of natural hazards. A variety of initiatives were consequently adopted under different themes such as sustainable cities, climate-friendly development and low-carbon cities. However, most of the initiatives targeted by global cities with urban areas being the focus in terms of taking action against global warming issues. This is due to the structural and environmental features of cities characterized by being populated, as such, they not only generate a large number of carbon emissions but also happens to be the biggest consumer of natural resources. In turn, they create a microclimate, which contributes to climate change. Masdar City, for example, was designed as the first fully sustainable urban area, which replaced fuel-based energy with the electric-based energy. China, as another example, introduced the Sponge Cities action, a method of urban water management to mitigate against flooding. Consequently, architects and urban planners are urged to conform to the proposals that would mitigate global warming. This paper, as a result, examines some of the models that have been internationally adopted and thereafter provide the recommendations that can be implemented in large urban areas in Turkey, primarily in Istanbul.

scholarly journals Solar Irradiance Reduction Using Optimized Green Infrastructure in Arid Hot Regions: A Case Study in El-Nozha District, Cairo, Egypt

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (17) ◽  
pp. 9617 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wesam M. Elbardisy ◽  
Mohamed A. Salheen ◽  
Mohammed Fahmy
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Urban Heat Island ◽  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
Solar Irradiance ◽  
Urban Trees ◽  
Heat Island ◽  
Physiological Equivalent Temperature ◽  
Urban Climatology ◽  
Urban Heat ◽  
The City

In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, studies focused on the relationship between urban planning practice and climatology are still lacking, despite the fact that the latter has nearly three decades of literature in the region and the former has much more. However, such an unfounded relationship that would consider urban sustainability measures is a serious challenge, especially considering the effects of climate change. The Greater Cairo Region (GCR) has recently witnessed numerous serious urban vehicular network re-development, leaving the city less green and in need of strategically re-thinking the plan regarding, and the role of, green infrastructure. Therefore, this study focuses on approaches to the optimization of the urban green infrastructure, in order to reduce solar irradiance in the city and, thus, its effects on the urban climatology. This is carried out by studying one of the East Cairo neighborhoods, named El-Nozha district, as a representative case of the most impacted neighborhoods. In an attempt to quantify these effects, using parametric simulation, the Air Temperature (Ta), Mean Radiant Temperature (Tmrt), Relative Humidity (RH), and Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) parameters were calculated before and after introducing urban trees, acting as green infrastructure types that mitigate climate change and the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. Our results indicate that an optimized percentage, spacing, location, and arrangement of urban tree canopies can reduce the irradiance flux at the ground surface, having positive implications in terms of mitigating the urban heat island effect.

Ecosystem Services Demand Management Under Climate Change Scenarios

2019 ◽  
pp. 45-65
Author(s):  
Abdelkrim Ben Salem ◽  
Souad Ben Salem ◽  
Mohammed Khebiza Yacoubi ◽  
Mohammed Messouli
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Water Demand ◽  
Water Resource Management ◽  
Demand Management ◽  
Climate Change Scenarios ◽  
Water Ecosystem ◽  
Storage Volume ◽  
Groundwater Reserves ◽  
Water Evaluation And Planning

Water ecosystem service is the most important element that supports Tafilalet agro-ecosystems. In this region, drought frequency is increasing, which complicate the management groundwater reserves. The ephemeral flows of the rivers force people to use groundwater to meet the population demand. Consequently, water resource management is of significant importance the sustainability of this area. Water evaluation and planning (WEAP) is useful management software used to evaluate and trace the trend of water demand. This model was applied in case of Ziz basin in order to simulate and analyze the situation of water under different scenarios. The results show an increasing of demand for water irrigation and with introducing modern irrigation scenario. However, a decreasing trend in reservoir storage volume and groundwater storage was projected in Tafilalet.

scholarly journals LiDAR based urban vegetation mapping as a basis of green infrastructure planning

2020 ◽  
Vol 171 ◽  
pp. 02008
Author(s):  
Krzysztof Pyszny ◽  
Mariusz Sojka ◽  
Rafał Wróżyński
Keyword(s):  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Point Clouds ◽  
Data Mapping ◽  
Vegetation Density ◽  
Island Effect ◽  
Detailed Assessment ◽  
The City

Planning green infrastructure in the cities is a challenging task for planners and city managers. Developing multifunctional green space systems provide many benefits including: increasing water retention, mitigating urban heat island effect, microclimate regulation, reducing air, water and noise pollution and conservation biodiversity. The greenery in the city also have an impact on human health. The paper presents the possibilities of using LiDAR data mapping vegetation density in urban areas on the example of Gorzów Wielkopolski (Poland). Maps made as a result of processing the point clouds obtained from airborne laser scanning represents the most accurate, comprehensive and detailed assessment of Gorzów Wielkopolski vegetation cover to date and establishes the baseline for greenery governance and planning of green infrastructure in the city.

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