Cities around the world are starting to retrofit or reconstruct themselves to act more like sponges. By making their ground surfaces absorb or divert water, they can begin to protect themselves from the effects of climate change.
Concrete and asphalt don’t allow water to run off, and they prevent accumulation of groundwater to be used for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. Plus, concrete production accounts for around 8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.*
Heavy rains and extreme weather events are relentless in some cities.
Cities are working toward solutions like green roofs and parks, restoring wetlands, and more, that also improve quality of life.
You can read more about this in the New York Times. Don’t keep this to yourself. Share it with like-minded people in your community and collectively influence better water mitigation and management practices.