Unprecedented rainfalls are causing massive floods across America that are killing people and animals and causing a host of other problems. Not only are our efforts to solve the problem failing, but they often add to the problems — pumping flood waters into nearby rivers, for example, pollutes the rivers. But an imaginative new idea called sponge cities may hold an answer. It encourages such things as installing rooftop gardens that will absorb water, using permeable pavement for parking lots to let water seep into the ground instead of running off, redirecting runoff water from streets to water parks, and encouraging rain gardens in residential areas. Some cities are taking baby steps in that direction, but more is needed.
Sponge Cities Are the Future of Urban Flood Mitigation
https://nextcity.org/urbanist-news/sponge-cities-are-the-future-of-urban-flood-mitigation