Romania explores sponge cities to combat flooding and climate change

Recent storms in the capital have highlighted the urgent need for solutions to manage heavy rainfall, as streets were flooded and hundreds of trees were uprooted. This situation has brought attention to the concept of sponge cities, a strategy that experts believe could significantly improve urban resilience against climate change.

Sponge cities focus on creating green-blue zones within urban environments. These spaces combine parks and water bodies, which can capture rainwater and prevent it from overwhelming outdated drainage systems. Bioretention basins, commonly referred to as 'rain gardens', are large features that can be integrated into both new and existing parks to help manage stormwater effectively.

Adrian Dohotaru, vice-president of the Urban Nature Network, emphasizes the necessity of developing programs for green-blue infrastructure. These initiatives should include not only bioretention basins but also tree planting to expand permeable surfaces in new neighborhoods. Current legislation mandates a minimum of 5% green spaces, but ideally, this should be increased to around 20% to enhance water retention during heavy rains.

The challenges posed by recent weather events serve as a reminder that urban planning must adapt to the realities of climate change. By investing in green-blue infrastructure, cities can create pleasant environments that support biodiversity while also protecting against flooding.