Join us for our next SDG local solutions webinar on November 13, 2024, at 9:00 AM (New York time), focused on how cities are fighting urban flooding. This webinar will explore how Hoboken in the United States and Copenhagen in Denmark are leading in urban resilience strategies. Learn from these two case studies that demonstrate the importance of green infrastructure, flood risk assessments, and cooperation between local governments and communities.
When? Thursday, 13 November 2024 at 9:00 AM (New York time)
To join the webinar, please register here.
Copenhagen, Denmark, faced a severe flood in 2011 and responded by launching an urban climate adaptation strategy. The city adopted the “sponge city” concept, which redesigns public spaces to better absorb and manage rainwater. This plan repurposes over 250 areas, including parks and playgrounds, to serve as recreational zones during dry weather and flood control systems during heavy rains. Features like rain gardens and climate inlets direct excess water into underground tunnels, reducing the flood risk. Financially, the city’s long-term investments in green infrastructure have proven to be a cost-effective way to manage future flood risks
Hoboken, New Jersey, a small city with 60,000 residents, is at high risk of flooding because it is close to the Hudson River and wetlands. After Hurricane Sandy caused major damage in 2012, Hoboken started a flood prevention plan. The main part of this effort is the Rebuild by Design–Hudson River project, a $230 million plan funded by HUD. This project aims to build flood walls to protect the city from storm surges and heavy rain. Additionally, the city created the Resilient Building Design Guidelines, which give clear construction rules for flood-prone areas to improve flood resistance.
Download the concept note here.
THE SPEAKERS
Lykke Leonardsen, Head of the Program for Resilient and Sustainable City Solutions, City of Copenhagen
Caleb Stratton, Chief Resilience Officer and Assistant Business Administrator, City of Hoboken
THE MODERATOR
Julia Rocha Romero, Nature-based Solution Specialist, UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre