Climate Resilient Cities: A Review of Blue-Green Solutions Worldwide

Abstract

Progressing climate change significantly affects the quality of life in cities. The related changes in the rainfall structure lead to an increased frequency of extreme hydrological phenomena such as droughts and floods. The increasing intensity of rainfall is a particular threat to urbanised areas, where due to the high degree of area sealing, an increase in runoff volumes and peak flow rate is observed. Storm water drainage systems are often not adapted to accommodate increased rainwater flows, which leads to the so-called urban floods. On the other hand, prolonged periods without precipitation may, in turn, lead to periodic water shortages. Cities must implement a climate change adaptation strategy. One of the solutions for rational rainwater management is the implementation of Blue-Green Infrastructure. These facilities are a modern solution supporting the sewage networks operation, water retention, and improving the quality of life in cities. The article presents the literature review on the current state of knowledge about Blue-Green Infrastructure and the implementation stage of these solutions in the world. Solutions that are newly introduced, not necessarily newly invented, in many places around the world are described. The literature review was limited to the period 2018–2023 to indicate the most modern and up-to-date strategies.