News #11

Figure: Fitobór, K., Ulańczyk, R., Kołecka, K., Ramm, K., Włodarek, I., Zima, P., ... & Gajewska, M. (2022). Extreme weather layer method for implementation of nature-based solutions for climate adaptation: Case study Słupsk. Science of the Total Environment, 842, 156751.

DID YOU KNOW?

The conversation about safety in the Baltic region can be approached from many angles, but one of the most important relates to how we protect our homes and valuable water resources—especially the Słupia River and the Baltic Sea—from the growing impacts of extreme weather. Climate change is already bringing more intense rainfall, and existing stormwater systems are struggling to keep up. To better understand the scale of the problem, a team of specialists led by K. Fotobór applied an innovative analytical tool known as the Extreme Weather Layer (EWL). Their assessment shows that, without intervention, urban areas could see up to a 95% increase in flood volume during frequent storms, which would greatly increase the risk of polluted water being washed into the Baltic Sea. The study also highlights an effective path forward. By investing in Nature-Based Solutions (NBS)—such as rain gardens, permeable green areas, and small-scale retention zones—communities can significantly reduce stormwater risks. The models show that capturing just 30 mm of rainfall locally can completely prevent polluted overflows into the Słupia River and cut urban flooding by around 70%. This approach, often described as “retention before the pipe,” reflects the principles of the Circular Economy by transforming stormwater from a threat into a resource that can be sustainably managed

Fitobór, K., Ulańczyk, R., Kołecka, K., Ramm, K., Włodarek, I., Zima, P., ... & Gajewska, M. (2022). Extreme weather layer method for implementation of nature-based solutions for climate adaptation: Case study Słupsk. Science of the Total Environment, 842, 156751.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969722038487