Hey everyone! As part of a personal project I’m trying to brainstorm factors that would make communities/locations more resistant to climate change and the damage that it can cause to people’s lives. If anyone has any thoughts I’d love to hear them!
Just to clarify because there were a couple questions about what I meant I’m thinking along the lines of things that make cities safer from the effects of climate change
*puts on mortarboard*
Create green spaces, especially ones with trees, to mitigate both heat and flooding, and reduce air pollution as well. They could be parks of varying size, swales, nature strips, wall gardens, rooftop gardens, etc. Increasing tree cover is probably the most beneficial though.
Design urban spaces so that excess water is directed into green spaces, to mitigate flooding and/or make the most of rainwater. Swales, “sunken” gardens, and large green spaces where rivers are likely to overflow are all good ideas.
Urban farming and urban gardening to mitigate disruption of food supply, as well as provide green spaces. Dig for victory!
Diversify food sources as much as possible.
Paint rooftops white to mitigate heat. I have also heard of painting road surfaces white.
Where there must be a hard surface (roads, footpaths, etc.) use a porous surfacing material that allows water to seep through. That could be pavers with small holes or a new type of porous “concrete” (I’ve forgotten what it’s called).
If you can grow mangroves, plant mangroves to mitigate storm surges, as well as improve biodiversity.
Build large offshore wind farms to reduce storm intensity, as well as provide electricity. Yes, really.
Build a modular energy supply to mitigate damage from natural disasters. Avoid large areas being reliant on one energy source or distribution network. Ensure backups for important resources like hospitals, communication, and transportation.
Educate and inform citizens.
Create and strengthen community networks. Community projects, community hubs, and buy nothing/food sharing groups are good places to start.
Anticipate what emergencies are likely to occur and what peoples’ needs will be in that situation. Allocate funding, stockpile resources, and make plans accordingly.
Install early warning systems if necessary, and make sure everyone understands them.
Relocate people or important resources that are unavoidably in harm’s way.
Enforce vaccinations. The last thing anyone wants to deal with in tough times (never mind an emergency) is a pandemic.
Always account for supply lines!
These are all super great! Thank you!
These are awesome! Here’s a few more ideas:
In flood-prone regions, have government buyouts of flooded houses and turn those areas into green spaces
Change zoning laws where necessary to allow denser population (looking at California) while maintaining green spaces and flood planes
Ensure that city planning takes into account making evacuation routes
In drought-prone regions, subsidize homeowners collecting rainwater
In fire-prone regions, restrict building on the forest margins where fires spread; bury power lines where possible
