Urban flood management in China : A case study of the sponge city concept in Zhengzhou

Abstract

Extreme precipitation, intensified by climate change, is a growing global threat, particularly in urbanized regions with inadequate flood preparedness. Both extremes of floods and draughts have become common and a devastating problem globally. One answer to them is the Sponge City Concept (SCC). Introduced in 2013, China’s answer to a more sustainable urban water cycle is meant to catch excess water during rainfalls and recycle that for irrigation during draughts. Implemented in several Chinese pilot cities, the Sponge City Concept has also altered Zhengzhou, the capital of China’s Henan Province. This paper explores the SCC in detail and analyses the 2021 Zhengzhou flood to identify reasons for this disaster despite the implementation of the SCC. The methodology includes a literature review of academic contributions and media articles, complemented by an analysis using the WWF Water Risk Filter to assess Zhengzhou's water risk profile. Findings indicate that while the SCC offers a promising framework for urban water management as well as climate adaptation and mitigation, its success depends on adequate funding, expertise, and public engagement. Community resilience and disaster preparedness have to go along with a successful implementation of such a large-scale and long-term project as the Sponge City Concept. The thesis highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to urban flood management.