Managing flood risk in Blue-Green Cities

Citation

O’Donnell E, Dolman N, Everett G, Kapetas L, Ncube S & Thorne C (2024) Managing flood risk in Blue-Green Cities. In: Lamond J, Proverbs D & Bhattacharya Mis N (eds.) Research Handbook on Flood Risk Management. Edward Elgar, pp. 97-111. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781839102981.00015

Abstract
Blue-Green Cities manage flood risk by recreating more naturally oriented water cycles in urban areas through the restoration of natural drainage channels, reduction in impervious surfaces and implementation of Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI - for example, swales, wetlands, green roofs) to enhance infiltration, attenuation and surface storage of water. Blue-Green Cities work synergistically to mimic predevelopment hydrology while generating multiple co-benefits to the environment, society and economy. The chapter expands on the Blue-Green City concept, providing an overview of existing research in this field. International examples show how the barriers hindering progression towards Blue-Green Cities are being overcome. Emerging research into adaptation pathways, natural capital accounting and social practice approaches for understanding community preferences demonstrate how research into Blue-Green Cities is moving beyond hydrodynamic modelling to consider decision-making under future uncertainty, the inclusion of environment and social benefits in business cases and the pivotal role of community preferences in designing blue-green systems.

Keywords
Blue-Green City; Flood risk management; Natural capital; Adaptation pathways; Community preferences; Blue-Green infrastructure

People

Dr Sikhululekile Ncube

Research Fellow, NMAHP