- Location: Great Britain
- Institution: Newcastle University
- Status: Active
- Type: Research
- Theme: Projections
- Timeframe: 2024 - 2029
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As towns and cities grow, and climate change causes heavier and more frequent rain, dealing with rainwater has become a major environmental problem in the UK and Ireland. This has led to two serious issues: more flooding in towns and cities, and more pollution in rivers when drains overflow and release untreated sewage.
Even though this is a big problem, responsibility for managing surface water is split between lots of different organisations. There is no single group fully responsible for managing water from where the rain falls to where it drains away. Water can run off buildings, roads, and poor drainage systems, all adding to flood risk. Better computer models and planning tools are needed to understand where flooding could happen now and in the future, and to test which solutions work best.
One possible solution is Blue Green Infrastructure. This uses natural features such as wetlands, green roofs, ponds, and special surfaces that absorb water instead of letting it run straight into drains. As well as helping reduce flooding, these features can improve wildlife habitats, cool down cities during hot weather, and make places healthier and more pleasant for people.
This project is creating an interactive planning tool to help design and test Blue Green Infrastructure in a changing climate. The main aim is to reduce flooding, but the project will also look at other benefits, such as helping wildlife and improving local communities. The project will work with experts and organisations to support better planning for climate change and nature recovery.
Project Goals
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Study UK and local policies about Blue Green Infrastructure, climate adaptation, and biodiversity, and identify where improvements are needed
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Work with organisations and experts to create future scenarios that can be tested using flood models and cost-benefit tools in case study areas across the UK and Ireland
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Improve the planning framework by adding climate predictions, policy options, and wider benefits such as wildlife connections and reducing heat in cities
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Suggest improvements to policies and decision-making systems so the project can help influence real-world planning and environmental management
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