Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the need for restoring urban rivers to their natural state, highlighting the ecological and social importance of such restoration efforts [1][2] Group 1: Current State of Urban Rivers - Many urban rivers have been altered for modernization, losing their natural flow and ecological functions due to concrete encasements and channelization [1] - These changes have led to a decline in water self-purification abilities, loss of aquatic habitats, and disconnection from surrounding ecosystems [1] Group 2: Restoration Strategies - Restoration should not merely involve dismantling existing structures but should adopt systematic and ecological methods to revive river vitality [1] - Key strategies include creating diverse river conditions with deep pools, shallow areas, and varied flow rates, as well as using natural materials for riverbed restoration [1][2] - Planting native vegetation along riverbanks to create multi-layered green belts that filter pollutants and stabilize soil is essential [1][2] Group 3: Integrated Urban Planning - A shift from "engineering-first" to an ecology-first approach is necessary for effective river management [2] - Urban planning should allocate sufficient ecological space for rivers and prioritize the restoration of severely degraded sections [2] - Incorporating "sponge city" concepts can enhance urban rainwater management, reducing flood impacts and providing stable ecological flows to rivers [2] Group 4: Community Engagement and Education - River restoration should be part of broader urban ecological civilization efforts, involving public participation and environmental education [2] - Initiatives like ecological monitoring, public water activities, and educational exhibits can raise awareness and foster respect for water ecosystems [2]

我国近年来不断加快推进海绵城市建设，不过夏季强降雨发生时，积水内涝还是时有发生，这是什么原因？海绵城市又有哪些升级改进的空间？ 2015年以来，我国不断加快推进海绵城市建设，目前已在90个城市开展海绵城市建设试点和示范工作。海绵城市建设，顾名思义，就是通过一系列措施让城 市像一块海绵一样，有效地吸纳、收集雨水并加以利用，在减轻城市排水压力的同时，通过对雨水的资源化利用，节约水资源。 中国城市规划设计研究院副总工程师 王家卓：海绵城市我们经常提到六个字"渗、滞、蓄、净、用、排"。首先促进雨水的下渗，滞就是缓排，慢点排，别 一起排，净化利用，最后超出的部分再排走，这样减少了雨水齐步排对管网造成的压力。 专家表示，虽然海绵城市建设不断在加快。而近年来，我们不少城市面对的是极端短时强降雨和极端暴雨，应对的是超过设计规划的降雨量。这种情况下， 就很容易导致区域内排涝系统难以在短时间内排出雨水。 上海市政工程设计研究总院总工程师 张辰：我们现在降雨的时空分布极不均匀，极端降雨会频发而且往往超过了标准。海绵体可以吸饱水，但更多的水落 在海绵体上，海绵上面是不是会积水。 同时，面对极端天气增加、城市积水压力增大的情况，以往中 ...

Core Viewpoint - The city of Leshan is actively implementing urban renewal projects, focusing on improving public facilities and enhancing the quality of life for residents through the "Four Publics and One Agriculture" initiative, which includes parks, public toilets, bus stations, public parking lots, and agricultural markets [5][8]. Group 1: Urban Renewal Projects - Leshan has completed the renovation of 76 agricultural markets, significantly improving the shopping experience for residents, with new markets being clean and organized [8]. - The "Four Publics and One Agriculture" initiative has seen a total investment of approximately 1 billion yuan, with plans to implement 883 urban renewal projects over three years, including the construction and upgrading of 146 agricultural markets and the addition of 9,500 public parking spaces [8][10]. - The city is also focusing on enhancing urban infrastructure, with projects like the Spring Creek Park, which will include an underground parking lot and various recreational facilities, expected to open in 2026 [8]. Group 2: Traffic Improvement Initiatives - Leshan is addressing traffic congestion issues by implementing the "Leshan Main Urban Area Traffic Relief and Smoothness Planning," which includes a project library for annual implementation [10][11]. - Key projects such as the Jiang Road Bridge and Tiger Head Mountain "micro-circulation" have been completed, improving regional traffic flow [10]. - Future plans include constructing a "grid + ring" efficient road network to optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion during peak hours, potentially saving commuters 15-20 minutes [11]. Group 3: Environmental and Ecological Projects - The city is integrating "sponge city" concepts into urban planning, focusing on ecological restoration and water management in parks like the Fish Bay Park, which will serve as a flood storage area during heavy rains [12]. - Projects will include features such as permeable pavements and ecological banks to enhance urban resilience against flooding [12]. - The overall strategy aims to create a comprehensive flood control and drainage system, utilizing the local river systems to manage stormwater effectively [12].

Core Viewpoint - The recent extreme weather events, particularly the flash floods in Inner Mongolia, highlight the urgent need for a robust disaster prevention system in the face of increasing rainfall and flooding in traditionally arid northern regions [1][2]. Group 1: Flood Risk Characteristics - Northern cities are experiencing unprecedented rainfall, which, while appearing abnormal, aligns with historical hydrological cycles, indicating a shift from drought to a period of increased precipitation since 2012 [2]. - The distribution of this year's rainfall has been more regional and scattered, affecting areas that are not adequately covered by existing flood prevention measures [2][3]. Group 2: Flood Prevention Strategies - The concept of "giving way to water" is emphasized, suggesting the construction of sunken parks and artificial lakes to serve as temporary flood retention areas during extreme weather events [1][4]. - A call for enhanced public education on flood risks and disaster preparedness is made to improve societal awareness and response capabilities [1][4]. Group 3: Evolution of Flood Management - The flood management system in China has evolved significantly since the 1998 Yangtze River floods, with a focus on large rivers initially, followed by attention to smaller rivers and urban flood management in recent years [4][5]. - The "sponge city" concept has been developed to integrate urban water management systems, but it is acknowledged that it has limitations in extreme weather scenarios [5][6]. Group 4: Infrastructure and Standards - Current urban flood prevention standards are fragmented across different departments, leading to inconsistencies in flood management strategies [7][8]. - The reduction of natural water retention areas due to urban development has exacerbated flood risks, necessitating a reevaluation of urban planning and flood management practices [7][8]. Group 5: Community Involvement and Awareness - Public participation in flood prevention, such as clearing drainage systems and preparing emergency supplies, is crucial for mitigating small-scale flooding [12][13]. - There is a need for increased public awareness regarding flood risks, particularly in northern regions where such events are less frequent, to prevent tragedies like the recent flash flood incident [12][13][14].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, particularly heavy rainfall in northern China, and emphasizes the need for a more effective flood prevention system that incorporates the concept of "giving way to water" [1][3]. Group 1: Flood Prevention Strategies - Xu Zongxue suggests creating sunken parks, green spaces, and artificial lakes as temporary flood retention areas during extreme rainfall events [3]. - The article highlights the importance of enhancing public education on flood prevention and risk awareness to improve societal preparedness for flood disasters [3][35]. Group 2: Characteristics of Recent Flooding - Northern cities are experiencing unprecedented heavy rainfall, which is characterized by its widespread and irregular occurrence, differing from past patterns [5][6]. - The areas most affected by flooding are often those that have not been adequately addressed by existing flood prevention systems, indicating weaknesses in current infrastructure [6]. Group 3: Historical Context and Evolution of Flood Management - Since the 1998 Yangtze River floods, significant investments have been made in flood management, focusing initially on major rivers and later shifting towards smaller river systems [8][9]. - The concept of "sponge cities" was introduced post-2012 to enhance urban flood management capabilities, integrating various urban water systems [10][13]. Group 4: Urban Planning and Infrastructure - Urban planning must consider regional differences in climate and hydrology, with tailored solutions for northern and southern cities [17][18]. - The article advocates for restoring natural water retention areas that have been lost due to urban development, which is crucial for improving flood resilience [22][23]. Group 5: Public Awareness and Community Involvement - The article stresses the need for increased public awareness regarding flood risks, particularly in areas that have historically been considered safe [7][36]. - Community efforts, such as clearing drainage systems and preparing emergency supplies, can significantly mitigate the impact of flooding [34][37]. Group 6: Limitations of Current Flood Management Approaches - The article points out that current flood management standards are inconsistent across different departments, leading to potential vulnerabilities in urban flood defenses [22]. - It emphasizes that while "sponge cities" can manage typical rainfall, they are not sufficient for extreme weather events, necessitating emergency response plans [14][38].

Core Viewpoint - The recent tragic event in Inner Mongolia highlights the urgent need to improve disaster prevention systems in the face of extreme weather, particularly in northern regions that are traditionally less prone to heavy rainfall [1][2]. Group 1: Flood Prevention Strategies - Xu Zongxue emphasizes the importance of creating temporary flood retention areas through urban renewal and village renovations, such as sunken parks and artificial lakes, to manage extreme rainfall [2][3]. - The current flood prevention system in northern cities has significant weaknesses, particularly in areas not covered by major river protections or sponge city initiatives [3][4]. Group 2: Historical Context and Evolution of Flood Management - Since the 1998 Yangtze River flood, China has invested heavily in flood management, focusing initially on major rivers and later shifting to smaller river systems over the past decade [5][7]. - The concept of sponge cities has evolved to integrate urban water management systems, addressing both common rainfall and extreme flooding events [11][12]. Group 3: Public Awareness and Preparedness - Public education on flood risks and safety measures is crucial, especially in light of recent tragedies caused by flooding in areas where people underestimated the risks [22][23]. - Community efforts, such as clearing drainage systems and preparing emergency supplies, can significantly mitigate the impact of minor flooding events [22][23]. Group 4: Technical and Infrastructure Recommendations - There is a need for a unified standard for flood management across different governmental departments to improve coordination and effectiveness [17][18]. - Enhancing urban drainage capacity, increasing floodwater retention areas, and utilizing green infrastructure are essential strategies for improving urban resilience against flooding [19][20].

Core Viewpoint - The increase in urban rainfall during peak hours is attributed to the "rain island effect," which is a consequence of the "heat island effect" in cities [2][3]. Group 1: Urban Climate Effects - The "heat island effect" refers to urban centers being significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas, with temperature differences of 2°C-3°C due to artificial structures and reduced green spaces [2]. - The "rain island effect" is formed as urban pollutants create condensation nuclei that lead to cloud formation, resulting in increased rainfall in urban areas [2][3]. Group 2: Urbanization and Flooding - Rapid urbanization has transformed agricultural land into urban areas, increasing impervious surfaces and reducing water absorption, which exacerbates flooding during heavy rainfall [3]. - Climate change is also a significant factor contributing to extreme weather events, including urban flooding [3]. Group 3: Urban Flood Management Strategies - The concept of "sponge cities" aims to enhance urban resilience to environmental changes and natural disasters by improving rainwater absorption and management [3][4]. - The "big sponge" approach emphasizes integrated flood management at the watershed level, considering urban areas alongside surrounding natural ecosystems [4]. - The Chinese government has initiated policies to strengthen urban flood management, focusing on source reduction, drainage systems, and emergency responses [4].

Core Viewpoint - The company has been deeply engaged in the ecological environment industry for nearly 30 years, showcasing technological leadership in sponge city research and ecological construction [1] Group 1: Company Overview - The company has a strong focus on sponge city development, utilizing permeable materials to enhance rainwater drainage, absorption, and filtration [1] - The implementation of these technologies aims to improve drainage and flood prevention capabilities while efficiently utilizing rainwater resources [1] Group 2: Industry Impact - The company successfully practices the sponge city concept, which includes principles such as "no water accumulation during light rain, no flooding during heavy rain, clean water bodies, and alleviation of the heat island effect" [1]

Core Viewpoint - Climate extremization has become a norm, with global warming leading to intensified rainfall and drought conditions in specific regions, resulting in sudden shifts between drought and flooding [1][3][8]. Group 1: Extreme Weather Events - Recent years have seen a significant increase in extreme weather events globally, with high temperatures, floods, and storms becoming more frequent and intense [5][6]. - In July, the average temperature in Henan Province reached 30.5°C, 3.2°C higher than the historical average, marking the hottest period in 64 years [2]. - Northern China experienced above-average rainfall, with Inner Mongolia recording the highest precipitation for this period since 1961 [2][3]. Group 2: Impact on Agriculture - Extreme weather is adversely affecting major grain-producing areas in China, with high temperatures and heavy rainfall impacting crop growth and increasing irrigation costs [3][14]. - The growth of winter wheat is particularly vulnerable to insufficient low-temperature periods, which can lead to premature ear formation and reduced yields [15]. - High temperatures can cause corn leaves to curl, affecting photosynthesis and increasing water requirements, thus raising irrigation costs for farmers [15]. Group 3: Future Projections and Preparedness - The ongoing climate crisis requires urgent action, with a need for five times the current effort to effectively address climate challenges [11]. - Transitioning to green renewable energy is essential, despite the associated costs, as it presents significant industrial opportunities while mitigating future disaster losses [11]. - The upcoming weather patterns indicate that northern regions may continue to face flooding, while southern areas will experience heightened drought conditions [12]. Group 4: Economic Implications - The volatility of agricultural prices due to extreme weather events is expected to persist, with "weather-related price hikes" becoming more common [16]. - Developing countries may be disproportionately affected by extreme climate events, leading to potential resource conflicts and social instability [17]. - Industries related to agriculture may need to adapt their insurance models and financial tools to better manage the risks associated with climate change [18]. Group 5: Urban Planning and Infrastructure - The concept of sponge cities is being emphasized, but their capacity to handle extreme rainfall is limited, necessitating additional strategies for flood management [19][20]. - Urban planning must evolve to incorporate designs that can effectively manage high temperatures and heavy rainfall, ensuring resilience against climate impacts [18][20].

Group 1: Climate Change and Extreme Weather - Extreme weather events have become a norm, with global warming leading to more severe droughts and floods in specific regions [3][6][7] - The frequency of extreme weather events has significantly increased, with a notable rise in climate-related disasters over the past two decades [4][5] - China is particularly vulnerable to climate change due to its vast territory and complex geography, experiencing a higher rate of warming and natural disasters compared to the global average [5][6] Group 2: Agricultural Impact - Extreme weather is adversely affecting major grain-producing areas in China, with high temperatures and heavy rainfall impacting crop growth and increasing irrigation costs [3][13] - The growth of winter wheat is particularly sensitive to low-temperature periods, and insufficient cold weather can severely affect yields [13] - High temperatures can lead to increased water requirements for crops, further raising costs for farmers [13][15] Group 3: Preparedness and Response - Current preparations for climate change impacts are inadequate, with a significant gap between global carbon emissions and climate goals [9][10] - There is a need for a substantial increase in efforts to transition to renewable energy and improve agricultural infrastructure to adapt to extreme weather [10][16] - Agricultural companies must optimize crop varieties to withstand changing climate conditions, such as developing heat-resistant strains [15] Group 4: Economic Implications - Extreme weather events are likely to cause fluctuations in agricultural product prices, with "weather-related price hikes" becoming more common [17] - The impact of extreme weather on agriculture may necessitate new financial tools for insurance, including adjustments to disaster insurance designs [19] - Other industries, such as renewable energy and urban planning, will also need to adapt to the challenges posed by extreme weather [19][20]