Urban stormwater infrastructure planning: The contribution of a set of universities to the sustainable management of stormwater in baltic cities

Abstract

Universities are known to be able to provide an important contribution to climate change adaptation. The aim of this paper is to present an overview of current state, challenges, and shortcomings in urban stormwater management in the Baltic cities of Turku, Tallinn, Hamburg and Riga, outlining the contribution of the partner universities to this process. Based on practical examples implemented in cities in and outside the Baltic Sea Region (BSR), this paper makes the case for the need to integrate green infrastructure-related strategies as ecosystem services that can yield multiple benefits and present opportunities for the benefit and well-being of the community. This paper suggests that green strategies are key methods to boost livability and the development of an integrative urban stormwater strategy by the corresponding authorities in charge of implementation efforts.