Adapting to Climate Change in Hong Kong: “To cope with stormwater flooding, the Government could adopt the ‘Sponge City’ concept,” urges Dr. Jeffrey Hung, Friends of the Earth

Impact of Typhoon Hato, August 2017. Photo Credit: Alex Hofford (published in Hong Kong Free Press)

As climate change raises the risk of flooding, Hong Kong needs to improve its defences

In August 2017, Typhoon Hato ripped through Hong Kong, causing serious flooding, landslides and multiple injuries.

“Extreme weather is becoming more common. Hong Kong will frequently be affected by extreme rainfall, extreme sea levels and storm surges. Although the city has done substantial work on flood prevention over the years, it still can not withstand floods of higher strength,” wrote Dr. Jeffrey Hung in an op-ed published by the Hong Kong Free Press.

He is the Research, Development and Strategy Manager at Friends of the Earth (Hong Kong).

“The Hong Kong Government needs to reinforce our urban fabric and coastal infrastructure to prevent flooding in the next several decades.

To cope with stormwater flooding in the inner city, the Government could adopt the “Sponge City” concept to collect excess rainfall and integrate flood control in urban design. Instead of diverting surface water runoff, sponge city aims at absorbing, capturing, controlling and purifying rainwater runoff within its own region.”

To Learn More:

Download As climate change raises the risk of flooding, Hong Kong needs to improve its defences to read the complete article by Dr. Jeffrey Hung.