Building Resilient Cities: From Macro to Micro

As our cities and communities face the challenges that arise from climate change, some of the solutions we need are already in our reach. Picture this: city resiliency parks, designed not only to beautify but to absorb and hold rainwater through smart infrastructure like permeable surfaces and underground pipes. These parks don’t just look good—they help reduce runoff and ease the strain on our drainage systems, creating spaces that work with nature, not against it.

In neighborhoods, underutilized spaces—like vacant lots—can be transformed into green havens that absorb rainwater, reduce flooding, and bring communities together. Think of the power of a rain garden or a simple permeable walkway, turning unused spaces into vital, life-giving resources.

At a residential level, every homeowner can make a difference! By swapping out concrete for gravel and creating rain-absorbing gardens on rooftops and yards, we can each play a part in reducing rainwater flows to the city drainage system. These simple actions, when added together, become a huge force for change.

It doesn’t stop there! The real magic happens when we teach and engage our younger generations. By educating young people today, we’re inspiring tomorrow’s leaders and advocates who will carry forward the message of sustainability and resilience. Whether it be through education or volunteer work, we’re all part of a movement that’s shaping a better, more resilient future.

All combined, these scales of resilient planning, design and education work as a “green infrastructure dream team” to protect our cities. By working together from the civic scale to the human scale, we can reduce flood risks one green space at a time.