Climate Change Effect on the Urbanization: Intensified Rainfall and Flood Susceptibility in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Climate change is inevitable with the interference made by various anthropogenic activities. Urbanization and development are two main processes that affect climate change. Thus, urbanization and climate change are like two sides of the same coin. The conjunction between climate change and urbanization already has created several issues in urban areas. Such issues are more common in developing countries due to unsustainable development, rapid urbanization, and population growth. The Sri Lankan scenario is also the same. The increased intensity and frequency of rainfall and increased land surface temperature are observable in urban areas in Sri Lanka. Colombo is the main administrative city and the largest urban area lies within the lower Kelani River basin. Due to the frequent flooding, the low lands usually inundate for days. Along with the wetland shrinkage and unsustainable development, the inundation period has increased creating a higher magnitude of flooding disaster. The damage due to frequent flooding usually creates an economic burden which in turn affects the development of the country. Sustainable development and greening cities are highly recommended to reduce the impacts of climate change in urban areas.