China's Sponge Cities: A Natural Solution to Urban Flooding

💧China is home to more large cities than any other nation, with 60% of its population residing in urban areas.

🌴Sponge cities are designed to absorb and store rainwater, reducing the risk of urban flooding.

⛰The sponge city approach combines gray infrastructure, such as advanced drainage systems, with green infrastructure, including natural areas and constructed wetlands.

♿Chongqing, with a population of over 16 million, is one of China's leading sponge cities, utilizing constructed wetlands and native plants to manage rainwater.

🌊China aims to have 80% of the selected sponge cities absorbing and reusing 70% of rainwater by 2030.

Why is urban flooding a major problem in China?

—China's rapid urbanization and extensive infrastructure development have replaced green spaces that would absorb rainwater, leading to increased flooding in cities.

What is the goal of the sponge city initiative?

—The goal is to create cities that can absorb and reuse a significant amount of rainwater, reducing the risk of flooding and water shortages.

How do sponge cities manage rainwater?

—Sponge cities use a combination of gray infrastructure, such as advanced drainage systems, and green infrastructure, including natural areas and constructed wetlands, to absorb, store, and release rainwater.

What progress has been made in Chongqing as a sponge city?

—Chongqing has implemented constructed wetlands and native plants to manage rainwater. These features have helped the city recover quickly from storms and reduce flood risk.

How are sponge cities contributing to sustainability?

—Sponge cities promote sustainable water management by reducing reliance on traditional drainage systems, conserving water resources, and enhancing urban resilience to climate change.

00:10China's rapid urbanization has led to extensive flooding in cities due to the replacement of green spaces that previously absorbed rainwater.

03:40Sponge cities combine gray infrastructure, such as advanced drainage systems, with green infrastructure, including natural areas and constructed wetlands, to manage rainwater.

08:14Chongqing, one of China's leading sponge cities, has implemented constructed wetlands and native plants to cope with heavy storms and reduce flood risk.

12:01China aims to have 80% of the selected sponge cities absorbing and reusing 70% of rainwater by 2030, promoting sustainable water management.