Scientists have warned of higher temperatures and an increase in peak rainfall events due to climate variability.
The recent low pressure storm along the eastern seabord of Australia reinforces those warnings.
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The two major impacts of climate change will be higher rainfalls and temperatures. The impacts of the current East Australian storm event identify shortcomings in the way we have planned our city stormwater infrastructure. Now is the time to adapt our urban planning strategy because the current paradigm fails. Aging stormwater systems in Capital Cities can be aided by green infrastructure. Rooftops represent 28% of urban areas. Rooftops are designed to capture and release stormwater directly to outlets which connect to the suburban network of pipes leading to ocean outfall.
Plants can grow in extreme conditions. Here native plants are growing on soils that are only 30mm in depth. The species survive by attributes evolved in Australia's unique bushland. An ability to shut down in periods of drought, survive inundation during rain, requiring little nutrients and symbiotic relationships with micro-organisms are some of the evolved attributes.
Watch on YouTube: Greenroof model of plant succession on Hawkesbury Sandstone
The latest study from the US by Angela Loder & colleagues revealed that green walls in a work environment will improve workers concentration levels by 15%. Surely this info will get the Corporate Bosses excited ie having a more productive healthier happier employee = less overtime, less days off .. Ker $$$ ching !!
The City of Sydney have stepped up to do catch up on Melbourne. They've had Mayor Clover Moore talking 'green global city' since the Olympics so it's encouraging to see the appointment of a Green Roof Project Officer and a new Strategy for Green Roofs & Walls released 01/07/12.
