In the face of increasing urbanisation and the challenges posed by climate change, cities are looking for innovative solutions to manage their water resources. Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI) combines traditional infrastructure with nature-based solutions to manage water, reduce flood risk, enhance biodiversity, and improve community well-being.
In this newsletter, we explore the role of BGI in managing urban water resources and the benefits it provides.
Insights
As cities continue to grow and develop, so does the pressure on their water resources. In addition, climate change and population growth are exacerbating urban water management’s already complex challenges. As such, cities must embrace innovative solutions that promote sustainable water management practices to address these challenges.
BGI is a critical component of these solutions. It combines traditional “grey” infrastructure, such as pipes and treatment plants, with nature-based solutions that use natural processes and ecosystems to manage water resources. As a result, BGI provides multiple benefits, including improved water quality, reduced flood risk, increased biodiversity, and enhanced community well-being.
Managing Water Resources
BGI allows cities to utilise natural processes and ecosystems to manage water resources and reduce the impacts of climate change. Doing so promotes sustainable water management practices and improves water quality. For instance, Los Angeles’ green streets are replenishing aquifers. Read more here
Reducing Flood Risk
Flooding is a growing problem in cities around the world. BGI can help reduce flood risk by using natural processes, such as infiltration and storage, to manage water resources. In Singapore, the Public Utilities Board is integrating BGI into existing grey infrastructure to not only manage extreme weather but also bring people closer to water. Read more here
Enhancing Biodiversity
BGI provides benefits for biodiversity. Incorporating natural processes and ecosystems into urban areas can help create wildlife habitats and support the development of healthy ecosystems. This enhances the overall health and well-being of urban communities. Recognising this, many cities, including Berlin and New York City, are turning to BGI to manage excess stormwater while protecting biodiversity. Read more here
Improving Community Well-being
BGI can improve community well-being. It provides public green spaces that can be used for recreation, relaxation, and community events. These spaces can help promote social connections, improve mental health, and enhance urban residents’ overall quality of life. For example, Oslo is implementing various BGI measures to create a more resilient, greener city. Read more here
In conclusion, BGI manages water resources and reduces the impacts of climate change while generating multiple co-benefits.
Communities
In addition to subscribing to the newsletter, many professionals have joined Our Future Water’s various communities.
- Click here to join the Our Future Water Network. Be part of the community.
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Urban Water Security, Our Future Water, Circular Water Economy, Blue-Green Infrastructure, Nature-Based Solutions, and Urban and Regional Futures
Books
Financing Water Security and Green Growth
Financing Water Security and Green Growth offers a comprehensive overview of the innovative financial instruments and approaches available to implement water security and green growth initiatives at various scales and in different contexts.
Robert C. Brears explores the use of a variety of public, private, and blended finance models to create climate-resilient water supplies, reduce water-energy-food nexus pressures, encourage water conservation and efficiency, and increase water reliability.
Nature-Based Solutions to 21st Century Challenges
Nature-Based Solutions to 21st Century Challenges provides a systematic review of nature-based solutions and their potential to address current environmental challenges.
This book systematically reviews nature-based solutions from a public policy angle, assessing policy developments which encourage the implementation of nature-based solutions to address societal challenges while simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits.
Latest papers
Read about Nature-based Solutions to Climate Change on Apple Books
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