Call for Abstracts: Join the Global Debate on Nature-Based Solutions
The concept of Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI) is rapidly gaining traction, positioning itself as a cornerstone of modern urban planning. As cities worldwide grapple with the dual challenges of rapid expansion and the escalating threats of climate change, the need for sustainable and resilient water management has never been more critical.
This session invites researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to engage in a vital interdisciplinary debate to promote a common, global understanding of BGI and guide its effective implementation.
The Urban Water Challenge
Modern urban environments face immense pressure. Increased impervious surfaces lead to higher runoff volumes, overwhelming conventional drainage systems and exacerbating flood risks. Simultaneously, environmental demands on water systems, ranging from ecological health to resource sustainability, are becoming increasingly complex.
Blue-Green Infrastructure and Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) offer a paradigm shift, moving beyond traditional "grey" infrastructure (pipes, pumps, concrete) to integrate natural processes into the urban fabric. By mimicking nature, BGI provides multi-functional benefits, including:
- Flood Mitigation: Enhancing infiltration and water storage (e.g., green roofs, permeable pavements, rain gardens).
- Water Quality Improvement: Filtering pollutants through soil and vegetation.
- Biodiversity Enhancement: Creating habitats within the city.
- Urban Cooling: Providing shade and evaporative cooling.
- Improved Public Health: Creating attractive, accessible public spaces.
Session Focus: Sustainable Water Management & Urban Planning
This dedicated session will focus on the pivotal role of BGI and other NBS in achieving sustainable urban hydrology and shaping future urban planning. We seek contributions that address the environmental engineering, planning, design, and policy aspects of integrating these solutions.
By fostering an interdisciplinary exchange, we aim to raise awareness and establish a more resilient foundation for coping with current and future climate change impacts through both mitigation and adaptation measures.
Conveners
Leading experts in the field convene this session:
- Daniele Stefàno (Agricultural University of Iceland)
- David C. Finger (Reykjavík University)
- Samaneh Sadat Nickayin (Wageningen University)
- Ilda Vagge (University of Milan)
Call to Action: Submit Your Abstract!
EGU invites researchers and professionals working across environmental engineering, urban hydrology, urban planning, landscape architecture, and related fields to contribute to this crucial conversation.
We are looking for abstracts that:
- Share innovative research and case studies on BGI/NBS implementation.
- Discuss the environmental and socio-economic benefits and challenges of BGI.
- Propose new planning frameworks or policy mechanisms for integrating BGI into city development.
- Focus on interdisciplinary approaches to sustainable urban water management.
For more information, please visit: Session ITS3.13/ERE6.4
The application deadline is the 15th of January.
