Week 5 : Wicked problems: Climate change adaptation Flashcards
How does planning respond to climate change?
Climate change has local impacts but global causes.
Planning can address regional impacts through local mitigation and adaptation policies.
Municipal tools are limited in addressing a global issue.
What defines a wicked problem?
A problem that is:
Contradictory
Challenging
Complex
Has no single solution or clear endpoint.
How did the concept of wicked problems emerge?
Introduced in the 1970s as an analytic approach in planning theory.
Example:
Traffic optimization – helping pedestrians may worsen car congestion.
Climate change – reducing fossil fuels lowers emissions but causes job losses
What are the two approaches to mitigation?
Reducing sources (e.g., cutting emissions).
Reducing reliance (e.g., transitioning to renewable energy).
What are some mitigation strategies?
Limit emissions: TOD (transit-oriented development), walkable communities,
increasing urban density.
Increase carbon sinks: Green infrastructure, urban containment, protected areas.
What are the two types of adaptation strategies?
Design / Infrastructure (e.g., stormwater systems, resilient buildings).
Land-use planning (e.g., hazard mapping, zoning for safer development)
What four elements determine disaster risk?
Hazard – the natural event itself.
Exposure – people and properties at risk.
Vulnerability – the ability (or lack thereof) to withstand the hazard.
Risk – the likelihood and potential severity of damage or injury.
Natural Hazard Mitigation Strategies
- Avoid:
Do not build in high-risk areas. - Lessen impact through site selection:
Choose safer locations. - Lessen impact through design:
Modify buildings with stronger materials and infrastructure. - Offset impact:
Use insurance to mitigate financial risk. - Community involvement:
Develop local response plans and cultural/social supports.
How does Adelaide use mitigation and adaptation?
Mitigation: Reduce GHGs via public transport, green infrastructure, and renewable energy.
Adaptation:
Avoid development in high-risk zones.
Strengthen building codes for fire resistance.
Improve emergency planning and hazard mapping.
What are the two approaches to flood management?
Structural solutions – Physical infrastructure like dams, dykes, levees, and flood walls.
Non-structural solutions – Land management, zoning restrictions, and relocation.
How does the Chicago Botanical Garden help with flood management?
- Designed to withstand a 100-year flood event.
- Can absorb large amounts of water to protect surrounding communities.
- Uses plants as natural flood barriers.
How does Rotterdam combine flood prevention with urban design?
Basketball courts double as water retention basins.
Demonstrates how flood planning can integrate with public spaces.
