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lakes. With the increasing intensity of heavy rains, many stormwater systems will need to be
redesigned and rebuilt to an appropriate size which is costly. On the other hand, green infrastructure
incorporates soil and plants and uses them to absorb and filter rainwater. The absorption reduces
the amount of stormwater that could potentially flood streets and neighbourhoods, and any excess
water is cleaner after being filtered.

Examples of green infrastructure:

 rain garden which collects and absorbs rainwater, reducing pollution and preventing flooding
 a bioswale, a type of rain garden built as a channel along a street or parking lot which
absorbs and filters water, and also slow water down as it moves along the channel, reducing
the risk of flooding
 using the permeable pavement on paved areas such as parking which allows water to drain
into the soil below

A final strategy to adapt to the increasing frequency of heavy rainfall is to relocate key infrastructure
out of flood-prone areas and to site new construction away from these areas.

Heat stress

Strategies to build resilience to extreme heat can include:

 identifying vulnerable populations and creating heat preparedness plans with all residents in
mind
 pursuing energy efficiency to reduce demand on the electricity grid, especially during
heatwaves

Strategies to reduce the effects of heatwaves and urban heat islands often focus on reducing the
absorption of sunlight. Examples include:

 planting trees along city streets and in open spaces as plants cool the air through
evapotranspiration
 building green roofs – rooftops covered with living plants instead of asphalt or other
materials
 painting roofs with reflective paint where living roofs are not feasible helps keep buildings
cool (cool roofs)
 using lighter coloured paving materials for streets

Extreme Weather

Adapting to storm surges is a difficult challenge for those who live on the coast, especially since
storm surges can rise over 30 feet in an intense hurricane. Houses can be raised above the land
surface by being built on piles (vertical structures), which allow water to flow beneath the house.
Communities can set regulations that require new buildings to be set back from flood-prone areas.
They can also protect and revitalize natural features that provide buffers against storms surges, such
as dunes and beach vegetation.

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This communication reflects the
views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the

information contained therein.