China’s ‘sponge cities’ are not built for extreme flood events

Flooding in China has now affected at least 30 million people and raised questions over the country's preparation for catastrophic weather related to climate change. Despite investing billions to protect against extreme rainfall with the creation of "cities like sponges", a climbing death toll in northern China has resulted in some people asking whether these tactics are effective.

Aug 3, 2023 - 16:30
China’s ‘sponge cities’ are not built for extreme flood events
Flooding in China has now affected at least 30 million people and raised questions over the country's preparation for catastrophic weather related to climate change. Despite investing billions to protect against extreme rainfall with the creation of "cities like sponges", a climbing death toll in northern China has resulted in some people asking whether these tactics are effective.