Setting the Stage
Facing a Crisis
Climate change is causing many negative impacts to our environment and life. Over the last 50 years, sea levels have risen, average global temperatures have been increasing, and precipitation events are becoming less frequent and more extreme. Urbanization has not made this problem any easier as these extreme precipitation events have led to significant damage to cities, existing infrastructure, and even loss of life. We need to start making changes to the way we currently live and manage out cities to make sure that we can combat these negative effects of climate change and extreme weather events.
N Brearly St. near Breese Stevens Fields
August 2018 Flood
In late August 2018, Madison, Wisconsin experienced an extreme rainfall event that caused over $200 million in damages to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure. Some nearby sub-watersheds experienced 1000-year flows in the streams that also damaged many natural ecosystems. The isthmus of Madison near the Yahara River (connecting Lake Mendota to Lake Monona) is also built on some natural wetlands making some areas inherently more vulnerable to flooding. As climate change persists, these events will continue to become more extreme causing the threat of flooding and damage to become more of a reality.
Gray vs. Green Infrastructure
"Gray" infrastructure gets its name from the typical color of concrete and refers to what most of our public infrastructure is made of. Roads, sidewalks, parking lots, storm sewer systems are typically made of impervious materials such as concrete and can cause many problems when it comes to stormwater management. Green infrastructure (GI) incorporates more pervious materials and natural settings such as more "green" space, rain gardens, permeable pavement which make it easier for water to be removed from stormwater runoff. The reduction of stormwater runoff reduces the chances of flooding and thus reduces the stress on our current infrastructure. Adding GI to urban areas is a new, innovative approach to battling stormwater management problems while also creating a beautiful landscape.
