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He’s Got a Plan for Cities That Flood: Stop Fighting the Water

Austin Tang — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 19:29:01 +0000

A landscape architect in China has a surprising strategy to help manage surges of water from storms supercharged by climate change.

Kongjian Yu at his office in Beijing. “We’ve been using the conventional drainage infrastructure for 200 years and we haven’t solved the flooding problem,” he said.Credit…Mark Schiefelbein/Associated Press

By Richard Schiffman
Published March 28, 2024
Updated April 3, 2024

Cities around the world face a daunting challenge in the era of climate change: Supercharged rainstorms are turning streets into rivers, flooding subway systems and inundating residential neighborhoods, often with deadly consequences.

Kongjian Yu, a landscape architect and professor at Peking University, is developing what might seem like a counterintuitive response: Let the water in.

“You cannot fight water,” he said. “You have to adapt to it.”

Instead of putting in more drainage pipes, building flood walls and channeling rivers between concrete embankments, which is the usual approach to managing water, Mr. Yu wants to dissipate the destructive force of floodwaters by slowing them and giving them room to spread out.

Mr. Yu calls the concept “sponge city” and says it’s like “doing tai chi with water,” a reference to the Chinese martial art in which an opponent’s energy and moves are redirected, not resisted.

“It’s a whole philosophy, a new way of dealing with water,” he said.

Through his Beijing-based company, Turenscape, one of the world’s largest landscape architecture firms, Mr. Yu has overseen the development of hundreds of landscaped urban water parks in China where runoff from flash floods is diverted to soak into the ground or be absorbed into constructed wetlands.

Mr. Yu said growing up in a village in Zhejiang Province toward the end of the Cultural Revolution showed him how earlier generations in rural China had “made friends with water.” Farmers in his region built terraces, berms and ponds to direct and to store excess water during the rainy season.

That stood in sharp contrast to the urban landscapes in modern China. Traditionally, cities in China would set aside areas capable of absorbing floodwaters. But such nature-friendly urban design largely ended with the Industrial Revolution, Mr. Yu said. More recently, millions of acres have been paved over to build cities, some of them rising up virtually overnight.

Shanghai Houtan Park in 2006.Credit…Courtesy The Cultural Landscape Foundation

The same area in 2018.Credit…Courtesy The Cultural Landscape Foundation

“We’ve been using the conventional drainage infrastructure for 200 years and we haven’t solved the flooding problem,” he said, noting that much of China has a monsoon climate subject to extremely heavy bursts of rain that pose an increasing hazard as climate change advances. That’s because warm air can hold more moisture, resulting in heavier rainstorms.

Currently, 65 percent of urban areas in China experience some degree of flooding each year, according to Mr. Yu. The country is currently the world’s largest producer of greenhouse gases. The United States is the largest historical emitter .

“The concrete drainage systems that came here from the West just can’t handle it,” Mr. Yu said. “We need a new solution.”

The sponge city program was formally inaugurated by President Xi Jinping in 2015 with pilot projects in 16 Chinese cities and has since expanded to more than 640 sites in 250 municipalities around the country.

You can see the concept in Houtan Park, a mile-long strip of greenery along the Huangpu River in Shanghai that Mr. Yu designed on a former industrial site.

Terraces planted with bamboo and native forbs and grasses are bisected by wooden walkways that zigzag between ponds and constructed wetlands. The wetlands filter water, slow the river’s flow and provide habitat for waterfowl and spawning fish.

The goal, at least on paper, is that by 2030, 70 percent of the rain that falls on China’s sponge cities during extreme weather events should be absorbed locally rather than accumulate in the streets.

Whether enough land can be converted is a key question.

Mr. Yu, who studied landscape architecture in China and at Harvard, with hand-drawn landscape designs. Credit…Mark Schiefelbein/Associated Press

Edmund Penning-Rowsell, a research associate at the University of Oxford who focuses on water security, said the scale of the sponge city projects would have to be huge to cope with flooding on their own. “Take New York City,” he said. “How many Central Parks would you need to absorb this kind of problem? You’d probably need half of Manhattan.”

Zhengzhou, in northeastern China on the banks of the Yellow River, was an enthusiastic early adopter of the sponge city concept, spending hundreds of millions of dollars building related projects from 2016 to 2021. But torrential rains inundated much of the city in July 2021, creating scenes of destruction and killing hundreds, including at least 14 in a subway tunnel.

Why were the floods so disastrous in Zhengzhou? Mr. Yu said some of the money earmarked for sponge projects was diverted to other programs and that the land set aside for them was insufficient. If permeable surfaces or green spaces make up 20 to 40 percent of a city’s area, he said, “you can virtually solve the problem of urban inundation.”

Niall Kirkwood, a professor of landscape architecture at Harvard who has known Mr. Yu for years, acknowledged that it can be difficult, and sometimes impossible, to convert land in city centers that have already been densely built. Still, he said, Mr. Yu’s impact as a innovator has been incalculable.

“He’s created a clear and elegant idea of enhancing nature, of partnership with nature that everyone, the man on the street, the mayor of a city, an engineer, even a child, can understand,” Professor Kirkwood said.

Where large tracts of land are not available, sponge city projects are replacing concrete and asphalt with permeable pavement, installing green roofs and creating trenches called bioswales that channel storm-water runoff and use vegetation to filter out debris and pollution.

The sponge city concept is not unique to China. One of Mr. Yu’s projects abroad is the Benjakitti Forest Park, a maze of ponds, trees and miniature islands in Bangkok that was opened to the public in 2022 and occupies more than hundred acres on the site of a former tobacco factory.

Separately, in 2007 the Dutch government began a program called Room for the River that consists of more than 30 projects around four rivers, including the Rhine. The idea is to restore natural floodplains in key areas around sites that need protection. The Danish capital, Copenhagen, is using “floodable parks” that turn into temporary ponds during heavy rains. Philadelphia and Malmo, Sweden, also have projects.

The site of Benjakitti Forest Park in Bangkok in 2020.Credit…Courtesy The Cultural Landscape Foundation

The park, which was rehabilitated by Mr. Yu’s firm, in 2022.Credit…Lauren DeCicca for The New York Times

In addition to flood control, these projects have the advantage of being an inexpensive way to recharge local aquifers and a low-tech adaptation to help overheated city neighborhoods, because evaporating water has a cooling effect.

John Beardsley, the curator of the Oberlander International Landscape Architecture Prize, which was awarded to Mr. Yu last year, echoed Professor Kirkwood, saying Mr. Yu’s impact on policy in China, a country that has been more likely to imprison environmental activists than take their messages to heart, has been astonishing.

Mr. Beardsley attributes this to Mr. Yu’s adroit political skills and infectious enthusiasm, as well as the Chinese government’s powerful incentive to appear to be addressing the problem of urban flooding, which has grown alarmingly in recent years.

“Kongjian has managed to be very critical of the government’s environmental policies while still maintaining his practice and his academic appointments,” he said. “He’s both brave and deft in this regard, threading a very narrow needle.”

“Sponge cities isn’t a total solution, but it makes a significant impact,” Mr. Beardsley said. “I mean, we need to start doing something.”

Courtesy The Cultural Landscape Foundation

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Press Release Earth & Water Day 4/22/23 Times Square as of 04/17/23

Austin Tang — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 21:35:40 +0000

Pause the World for Peace, 2023 Events for Mother Earth…

Earth & Water Day Times Square LIVE 5 Hour Broadcast Concert, April 22, 2023 11:00AM – 4PM EST. TV/Podcast

JOIN US – MOTHER EARTH IS CALLING

New York, NY – For Immediate Release. April 17, 2023. FOR INFORMATION: Contact paul.sladkus@goodnewsbroadcast.com and or call 212 647 1212.

WHAT & WHERE: Earth & Water Day, April 22, 2023 LIVE IN TIMES SQUARE at 11am – 4pm est. for a LIVE 5 Hour Broadcast, also on www.facebook.com/UNIFY our broadcaster who has 130 Million Reach for Facebook Followers and received 2 Billion Hits in 2017 for Peace Day and www.youtube.com/goodnewsbroadcast with 165,000 Views last month, also in China with Weiwei Gao 200 Million Audience and around the world. Entertainment & More…

PRESS CONFERENCE WAS HELD ON: World Water Day, March 22 Virtual Press Conference included many of the talent and corporations that will be part of Earth Day in Times Square. The Earth & Water Day Schedule will be shared shortly. To watch the 2 hour 49 minute Press Conference & Sizzle Reel go to: http://pausetheworldforpeace.org/2023/04/04/world-water-day-march-22-2023/

Why: MOTHER EARTH IS CALLING. Only 1% of all our water on Earth is fresh. Tornados, earthquakes, flooding, sea level rising, WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) causes 1.4 Million people to die and 74 million lives shorted, 1 in 4 people/2 billion lack safe drinking water, 3.6 billion lack safe sanitation, 44 % households wastewater is not safe (UN/WHO).

Key Note Speakers: Our broadcast talent and speakers share their up-beat, life-affirming work… in essence, The Good News is what that they are doing to help Mother Earth Heal. Virtually Peace Messengers, i.e. Ringo Starr will start the broadcast and ask for a Moment of Silence for Peace, then Dr. Jane Goodall will share her concern for our environment, other celebrities, i.e. Leonardo DiCaprio, Stevie Wonder, Shakira share messages for us to do better and we will. Also virtually, Mayor Adams Citation, NYC Pastor Monrose, Executive Director Faith Based, Keynote from NYC Chief Climate Officer and Department of Environmental Protection Commissionaire Aggarwala, Reid Stowe, Soanya & Darshan 1,152 Days at Sea WORLD RECORD, UNBLINDED Sean Callagy and Andrea Cataneo, AY Young/Battery Tour/UN Sustainable Goals “Only American” Speaker, Deloitte/Donna Szatkowski-Zych/ Partner, Inclusion Council Leader/Sustainability

Corporations: Deloitte, Virgin Hotels/NY, YOU GOT THIS KID, Quinnipiac University (GO BOBCATS!), BLUEVIEW Biodegradable Footwear, AMJ Global/Immersive Technology, Andrea Cataneo, Playa Betty/Mexican Food/Margarita, SaraBeth Restaurants/Bakery, Montauk Manor, Hugg-A-Planet, Animodules, Peace Lights, Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, 5 Star Diamond Award, Fine Quality Events, X~Stream Broadcasting, UNIFY, Times Square Alliance, New York City Parks & Recreation.

Entertainers: Georgia Fumanti Bocelli Arranger “Angel Watching Over Me”, Indiggo Twins, Marvin Hamlisch International Music Award recipient Sophia Angelica “Flying On”, Surgeons Dr. Zhang Mt. Sinai/NY, Dr. Kalumuna, Dr. Joseph/ Uganda, Dentist Dr. Jacobs, Family Film Awards/Ms. Ma, Mrs. Ying Cui/Beijing Keying Media Co./ China Tiger, Snow & Ice China Coproduced with Heilongjiang Film Studio Co., Parrots for Peace, Wonderama, Stephen Joseph/Comedy, Majid,

Chip Shelton PeaceTime, NY Friends of Clear Water, Montauk Film Festival/Surfing 50 States, South Fork Museum of Natural History (SOFO), Friends of Clearwater, Cristina Fontanelli, Paul Sladkus/Sax, WE.net, Charity:Water, Guardians of the Forest/Amazon, Original Play “Earth Quakes’, Michael Ress, HealRWorld, UNIFY, Host Reverend Paul Sladkus, All Faiths & Spiritual, Chris Breslin, Cristina Fontanelli, …more to come.

WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.

WHO: Good News Corporation, GNC, a nonprofit, 501 C 3, est. 2002 has been creating International Peace Day Events since 2002. They continue to support MOTHER EARTH & PEACE, with a mission to create life affirming, thought provoking, Good News, Entertainment and Events and share them with the world. Our website is www.pausetheworldforpeace.org

Later this year: The UN International Day of Peace, September 21, 2023 in Times Square 11AM-4PM est. and around the world. GNC has be strengthening this Peace message since 2002 in Central Park and Times Square. A 9 11 Times Square Event is being planned. Ringo Starr Virtually will request a Moment of Silence for Peace at all events, 193 Countries of the UN who agreed to support the day, which asks for a MOMENT OF SILENCE, CEASE FIRE, ACTS OF KINDNESS/PEACE.

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DEVASTATING FLOODING SUMMER HURRICANES, EXTREME HEAT, WILDFIRES AND STORMS LOOM AS SOLDIERS IN THE U.S. ARMY STEP UP TO SUPPORT COMMUNITIES IN NEED

Austin Tang — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 15:29:26 +0000

Listen to “DEVASTATING FLOODING SUMMER HURRICANES, EXTREME HEAT, WILDFIRES AND STORMS LOOM AS SOLDIERS IN THE U.S. ARMY STEP UP TO SUPPORT COMMUNITIES” on Spreaker.

https://www.goarmy.com/
Another grueling severe weather season is upon us. Wildfires are expected to burn through millions of acres of land as Western states struggle with drought, while tornadoes, hurricanes, and violent storms are forecasted in other parts of the country.

Along with federal emergency agencies, the U.S. Army, with its combat readiness and organizational mobility, responds rapidly to natural and manmade disaster situations at national, state, and local levels.

U.S. Army North (ARNORTH) supports the Department of Defense’s response efforts during wildland fire and hurricane season by deploying on short notice into perilous environments to respond quickly and effectively to protect lives, property, critical infrastructure, and natural and cultural resources.

Did You Know?
 The annual hurricane season in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico runs 1 June through 30 November, but fire is now a year-round threat, and the number and severity of wildland fires has increased.
 The U.S. military has been an important partner in wildfire suppression since the early 1900s when Army Soldiers served as firefighters in Western U.S.
 2021 was the 40th time that federal military ground forces have been mobilized to support wildland firefighting response efforts.
 Whereas most Army missions involve deploying overseas, ARNORTH is unique in its commitment to serving in the homeland helping protect people, property, and federal lands.

Since 2005, ARNORTH has responded to more than 40 storms including Hurricanes Katrina and Maria and several fire disasters including the 2021 Dixie Fire in California. On August 18th, join MAJ Wesley Todd and 2LT Lane Harwell as they discuss the role of the U.S. Army in disaster relief efforts including wildland fires, hurricanes, and more. Also learn about how Soldiers can serve their country and local communities in times of challenging weather events.

Interview is courtesy: U.S. Army

#hurricanes #flooding #heat #wildfires #storms #soldiers #usarmy #support #weather #land #drought #tornadoes #federal #emergency #naturaldisaster #missions #response #community

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Support UNICEF USA’s Hurricane Relief Efforts in Puerto Rico

admin — Wed, 04 Oct 2017 14:44:52 +0000

Puerto Rico is in a state of crisis. In the wake of Hurricane Maria, mass flooding and destruction have put children throughout the island at risk.

The governor has warned that this is “the worst hurricane in a century,” and that rebuilding will be a tremendously difficult undertaking.

UNICEF USA is mobilizing to get immediate, critical support — Emergency Relief Kits — to the children of Puerto Rico.

A donation of just $28 will provide a kit containing basic, essential supplies such as water purification tablets, a water bucket with lid, water containers, soap, toothpaste, detergent and sanitary pads. The supplies will help children and their families keep clean and healthy, protecting them from diseases that can occur after the loss of equipment and infrastructure and the disruption of a safe water supply.

UNICEF is a global leader in emergency response, last year reaching children in 344 humanitarian emergencies across 108 countries. We stand ready to provide aid before, during and after a crisis.

90% of every dollar spent goes directly to helping children.

www.unicefusa.org/Hurricane/Donations

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INTREPID SEA, AIR & SPACE MUSEUM SET TO REOPEN DECEMBER 21 AFTER HURRICANE SANDY REPAIRS ARE COMPLETED

editor — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 20:53:24 +0000

Museum Offers Special Gift Of Intrepid for All Visitors Through Feb 15, 2013

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum today announced it will officially reopen to the public on December 21, after completing extensive repairs to its power sources damaged by Hurricane Sandy.

“We have worked non-stop to make the necessary repairs to our power generation, fire suppression and other infrastructure that makes the museum run and allow visitors to enjoy the unique historical exhibits here,” said Susan Marenoff-Zausner, President of the Intrepid Museum. “The flooding we experienced during the height of Sandy was beyond anyone’s imagination. Recovering from damage that extensive, in just over a month, is a testament to the hard work of everyone here at the museum. We’re thrilled that we’re open again in time for the Winter Holiday break.”

The rise in the Hudson River due to Hurricane Sandy caused flooding and damage to Pier 86, with four to six feet of water swamping the main electrical transformers and both of Intrepid’s backup generators. Power losses caused the Space Shuttle Pavilion to deflate, and interrupted power supply to the entire museum complex, including the Intrepid, the Growler, Concorde and the Welcome Center. Additionally, three feet of water poured into the Welcome Center, destroying the ticketing counters, gift shop and mechanical rooms. The Welcome Center will remain closed while being rebuilt and temporary ticketing booths have been installed in the Museum’s plaza.

The Space Shuttle Pavilion exhibit remains closed while preparations are made to install a new structure and rebuild the exhibit interior. The shuttle is fully visible from the flight deck and the pier.

In celebration of the reopening, Intrepid is offering a Gift of Intrepid “buy one, get one free” promotion through February 15, 2013. This special ‘social media’ offer is available to those who are facebook fans of the Museum or those who follow the museum on twitter. Visitors must print and bring with them a special coupon posted on the Intrepid facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/IntrepidMuseum or https://www.twitter.com/Intrepidmuseum

About the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Now home of the Space Shuttle Enterprise, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum complex also includes the 900-foot-long aircraft carrier ‘Intrepid’; the guided missile submarine Growler; and an extensive collection of 27 aircraft including the A-12 Blackbird, the fastest plane in the world, and the British Airways Concorde, the fastest commercial aircraft in the world. Guests can experience areas of the ship including the Flight Deck, Hangar Deck, fo’c’sle (commonly known as the anchor chain room), new multimedia presentations and exhibit collections, interactive educational stations and a state-of-the-art public pier.

The Intrepid is proudly supported by Time Warner Cable and Coca-Cola.

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