‘Sponge cities’ can help protect against flooding. Here’s how

Oct 26, 2022

Sponge cities use their natural resources to absorb water and release it more slowly into lakes and rivers, helping to prevent flooding. Image: ChapmanTaylor

Charlotte Edmond

Senior Writer, Forum Agenda

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Auckland is top in a list of ‘spongy’ cities, according to research on ten major cities by professional services firm Arup. Image: Arup Global Sponge Cities Snapshop

Over half of Nairobi is covered in green or blue infrastructure, thanks to large amounts of grassland. Image: Arup Global Sponge Cities Snapshop

Sponge cities are able to soak up excess water and release it more slowly back into rivers and water systems. Image: Arup Global Sponge Cities Snapshop

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