Nature-based solutions for urban stormwater management: an overview

Abstract

The coupled effect of urbanization and climate change led to several environmental and socioeconomic impacts, such as the impoverishment of ecosystems, flooding risk, water quality deterioration, air pollution, urban heat island effect, and other socio-environmental. From a hydraulic perspective, the constant loss of natural areas was reflected in a drastic alteration of the hydrological cycle that, combined with the growth of extreme rainfall frequency, increased the city’s vulnerability to flooding risk, highlighting the inadequacy of traditional urban drainage systems. In this context, a transition towards sustainable and resilient urban drainage systems becomes essential. Thus, this paper aims to present an overview of Nature-based solutions, which, due to their capacity to reduce surface runoff and increase evapotranspiration and infiltration rates, represent valuable options for stormwater management and hydrological cycle restoration in urban areas. In this regard, the paper is conceived and structured by considering first a general introduction to nature-based solutions. The general design features of some nature-based solutions (green roofs, green walls, rain gardens, and permeable pavements) are shown, and finally, the hydrological effectiveness of these systems is discussed by considering the results found in the literature.