Public space

Rain

NEGATIVE

Rain

When it rains, water can't soak into the ground. Instead, it runs off quickly, overloading the sewage system. This can lead to flooding in streets and buildings because the water has nowhere to go. It also makes river floods worse.

Heat

NEGATIVE

Heat

Buildings and roads absorb heat during the day and slowly release it at night. This keeps cities warmer for longer, especially in summer.

Sealed areas

NEGATIVE

Sealed areas
A nicely shaped building
A nicely shaped building

Laura, the architect, is enthusiastic about the idea of using the space to build something sustainable there.

Natural park with children
Natural park with children

Antonio would love to see the area transformed into a natural park, providing space for children from his kindergarten to experience nature.

Sea walls
Sea walls

A seawall is a coastal defense built where the sea directly impacts the coast. It protects human habitation, conservation, and leisure areas from tides, waves, or tsunamis.

Floodplains
Floodplains

A floodplain is flat land by a river that can flood when water rises.

Dams
Dams

Greened dams are often home to sheep that support the maintenance of the dams, and provide recreational areas for urban residents.

Nature-based solutions
Nature-based solutions

Restoring wetlands, forested areas near water, and letting rivers flow freely, help protect coasts and reduce flooding.

Mobile dams
Mobile dams

These can be set up quickly to protect an area during extreme weather. They don’t need to be installed permanently, but setting them up takes time.

Early warning systems
Early warning systems

Flood early warning systems detect rising water and warn people in advance, helping them stay safe and reduce damage.

Flood-resistant infrastructure
Flood-resistant infrastructure

Like stone benches, raised cafés - it may cost more at first, but it reduces repair costs later. Planning should balance costs and emissions for a smart long-term solution.

Retention basins
Retention basins

A retention basin is a man-made pond that holds water, prevents flooding, stops soil loss, cleans water, and supports nature.

Infiltration swales
Infiltration swales

Swales are shallow, wide channels with plants that help manage rainwater. They slow down water flow to reduce river flooding.

Heat

POSITIVE

Heat

Unsealed areas don’t store as much heat, so they stay cooler, especially at night. Trees help even more by providing shade and cooling the air with moisture, making the temperature more comfortable for people, allowing them to spend time outdoors even during sunny, hot days.

Rain

POSITIVE

Rain

Natural (unsealed) ground lets water soak in and evaporate, keeping the water cycle balanced and preventing drains from overflowing.

Biodiversity

POSITIVE

Biodiversity

Parks and green areas support wildlife, especially when they have local plants and a good mix of vegetation.

Rain

NEGATIVE

Rain

When it rains, water can't soak into the ground. Instead, it runs off quickly, overloading the sewage system. This can lead to flooding in streets and buildings because the water has nowhere to go. It also makes river floods worse.

Heat

NEGATIVE

Heat

Buildings and roads absorb heat during the day and slowly release it at night. This keeps cities warmer for longer, especially in summer.

Sealed areas

NEGATIVE

Sealed areas
A nicely shaped building
A nicely shaped building

Laura, the architect, is enthusiastic about the idea of using the space to build something sustainable there.

Natural park with children
Natural park with children

Antonio would love to see the area transformed into a natural park, providing space for children from his kindergarten to experience nature.

Sea walls
Sea walls

A seawall is a coastal defense built where the sea directly impacts the coast. It protects human habitation, conservation, and leisure areas from tides, waves, or tsunamis.

Floodplains
Floodplains

A floodplain is flat land by a river that can flood when water rises.

Dams
Dams

Greened dams are often home to sheep that support the maintenance of the dams, and provide recreational areas for urban residents.

Nature-based solutions
Nature-based solutions

Restoring wetlands, forested areas near water, and letting rivers flow freely, help protect coasts and reduce flooding.

Mobile dams
Mobile dams

These can be set up quickly to protect an area during extreme weather. They don’t need to be installed permanently, but setting them up takes time.

Early warning systems
Early warning systems

Flood early warning systems detect rising water and warn people in advance, helping them stay safe and reduce damage.

Flood-resistant infrastructure
Flood-resistant infrastructure

Like stone benches, raised cafés - it may cost more at first, but it reduces repair costs later. Planning should balance costs and emissions for a smart long-term solution.

Retention basins
Retention basins

A retention basin is a man-made pond that holds water, prevents flooding, stops soil loss, cleans water, and supports nature.

Infiltration swales
Infiltration swales

Swales are shallow, wide channels with plants that help manage rainwater. They slow down water flow to reduce river flooding.

Heat

POSITIVE

Heat

Unsealed areas don’t store as much heat, so they stay cooler, especially at night. Trees help even more by providing shade and cooling the air with moisture, making the temperature more comfortable for people, allowing them to spend time outdoors even during sunny, hot days.

Rain

POSITIVE

Rain

Natural (unsealed) ground lets water soak in and evaporate, keeping the water cycle balanced and preventing drains from overflowing.

Biodiversity

POSITIVE

Biodiversity

Parks and green areas support wildlife, especially when they have local plants and a good mix of vegetation.

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