CoPe Urban C5

Enhancing Urban Flood Resilience and Equity in Urban Coastal Communities through the Co-Design of Community Capitals

Climate change poses a great threat to urban coastal communities.

Our Mission: enhance climate change resilience and equity through community-co-designed and co-created green infrastructure interventions to mitigate urban flood risks.

Enhancing Climate Change Resilience

Growing Climate Change Concerns:

rising sea levels, increasing tidal and storm-related flooding
more frequent and severe rainfall and storms
increased storm surges, pushing seawater further inland
coastal erosion, leading to land loss and increased flooding

Results:

devastating economic and social consequences, damaging businesses, homes, and critical infrastructure
floodwaters can introduce contaminants and pollutants into nearby waterways, posing health risks to residents

Pictured Right: Mika Baumeister courtesy of Unsplash

Coastlines and People CoPe Urban C5 Research Project

Enhancing Urban Flood Resilience and Equity in Coastal Communities through the Co-Generation of Community Capitals.

Project Overview

Vulnerable and marginalized communities often bear the brunt of these issues due to inadequate and unequal distribution of sustainable infrastructure.

Equity considerations are critical in flood mitigation and response efforts.

Equity

Not all communities are equally affected by climate-related flooding: some are more vulnerable due to social, economic, or historical factors.

Goals:

Fair Access to Resources
Inclusive Decision-Making
Risk Reduction for Vulnerable Populations

Equity in the context of climate change and coastal flooding aims to level the playing field, so that no one community is disproportionately affected by the adverse impacts. It seeks to create a more just and inclusive approach to building resilience and adapting to the challenges posed by a changing climate.

Pictured Left: Markus Spiske courtesy of Unsplash

Coastal Community Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk grapples with recurrent flooding due to rising sea levels. Its commitment to addressing this challenge is evident through its designation as one of the Rockefeller 100 Resilient Cities. This coastal region is also home to a substantial African-American population, characterized by a profound history of racial and social inequality. This historical narrative, rooted in the legacy of slavery and extending to contemporary movements for both racial and environmental justice, has significantly shaped Norfolk's built environment, development patterns, political boundaries, and responses to the pressing issue of climate change.

Norfolk stands as a valuable case study in our research. Our overarching goal is to develop methods and insights that can be effectively applied to other coastal communities confronted with similar challenges.

Pictured Right: Watersheds in Norfolk, VA courtesy of Norfolk.gov

Green Infrastructure Benefits

Benefits of Green Infrastructure | US EPA

linked to improved physical, social and mental health: reduced stress levels and enhanced overall well-being
absorb and slow down stormwater runoff, reducing the risk of flash floods and overflow of drainage systems during heavy rainfall events
filter and purify rainwater, reducing the pollution of rivers and streams
natural vegetation and soil in green spaces act as filters, trapping sediment and pollutants carried by stormwater runoff
replenishing groundwater by allowing stormwater to percolate into the soil
provide habitat for various plant and animal species
improve the visual appeal of urban areas, enhancing quality of life