In recent years, flooding has become a serious problem around the world. In 2023 alone, around 32 million people were affected by floods, which caused injuries and even loss of homes. This issue is likely to get worse because of climate change, leading to more intense rainstorms that overwhelm our cities. But there’s hope! A new idea called “sponge cities” could help keep our cities safe from flooding.
What Are Sponge Cities?
The concept of sponge cities is about making urban areas that can soak up rainwater instead of letting it flood the streets. This idea was first popularized by a Chinese landscape architect named Kongjian Yu. He started testing it in China back in 2013. The goal is to create cities where rainwater can seep back into the ground instead of rushing through concrete pipes or flooding the roads.
Yasmeen Lari: A Visionary Architect
One of the leaders in promoting sponge cities is Yasmeen Lari, Pakistan’s first female architect. At 83 years old, she is passionate about finding ways to prevent flooding in cities. Lari believes that cities are facing more flooding issues than ever, whether in New York, London, or Karachi.
She has been experimenting with new materials to replace concrete, which she says makes flooding worse. For example, she installed terracotta pavements that can absorb water, reducing the risk of floods in urban areas. “Everybody has got to stop using concrete,” Lari insists, highlighting that this material prevents water from soaking into the soil.
A Look at Successful Examples
China has been a pioneer in sponge city designs. In a project in Sanya, they created parks with special features like wetlands and ponds that can hold huge amounts of stormwater—up to 830,000 cubic meters! These areas not only help manage rainwater but also create beautiful green spaces for people to enjoy.
Yu explains that the sponge city concept takes inspiration from ancient practices of using nature in urban planning. By adding more gardens, trees, and green areas, cities can improve air quality, reduce extreme heat, and encourage biodiversity.
The Challenges Ahead
Despite the benefits, making sponge cities is not easy. There are financial challenges and existing building codes that may resist these changes. It’s easier to incorporate these green ideas into new neighborhoods than to change older parts of the city. However, Lari is optimistic. She believes that even small-scale green projects can make a big difference in preventing flooding.
She points out that while governments may struggle to find enough money for big changes, local efforts can still be very effective. “No government will have enough money to tackle climate change alone, but we can all contribute,” she says.
Looking to the Future
The intensity of rainfall keeps increasing, which means we must act fast to prevent urban flooding. Sponge cities could be a key part of the solution. They offer a way for cities to adapt to changing climate conditions and protect both people and property from the dangers of flooding.
By embracing the sponge city concept, we can create safer, greener, and more resilient urban environments for everyone. It’s time for cities to soak it up and turn the tide against flooding!
