Urban Waterways: Blue-Green Infrastructure

Cities increasingly recognize waterways as critical infrastructure for climate resilience. The concept of "blue-green infrastructure" integrates water management with urban nature, creating systems that manage floods, cool heat islands, and support biodiversity while enhancing human life.

Bordeaux's transformation exemplifies this approach. The formerly industrial waterfront now features wetland parks that absorb flood waters, floating gardens that clean runoff, and cool water fountains accessible to all. "We're not just adapting to climate change," explains mayor's advisor Chen Lu. "We're creating a city that thrives with change."

Underground, ancient sewers transform into smart water systems. Paris experiments with separating stormwater from sewage, preventing overflows that pollute the Seine. Permeable surfaces replace concrete, allowing rain to recharge groundwater rather than racing to rivers carrying pollutants.

"The future city is a sponge," describes architect Kofi Asante. "Every surface either absorbs water or provides habitat. Rivers flow through cities, not past them. Urban and natural merge into resilient wholes."