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THE VULNERABLE
CITY
Brownfields
Abandoned industrial estates remain
derelict, preventing the adequate use of
scarce space.
Busy underground
Subsurface infrastructure has been built
haphazardly without taking the water and
soil system into account adequately.
Shortage of green spaces
The lack of green spaces and large
numbers of buildings place pressure on
the living environment.
Settlement caused by land
subsidence
Land subsidence and inadequate building
techniques lead to the settlement of
infrastructure, above and below the
surface.
Growth tests managers and builders
Delta cities are attractive locations. Globally, the numbers of inhabitants and economic activities in these areas are
rising rapidly. But the complex water and soil systemmakes cities vulnerable. There is a risk of flooding from the sea
and rivers. There can be problems with water due to extreme rainfall and high water tables. It is not easy to build on
soft soils. The precarious balance between human activities and the natural system is put under even greater pressure
by rapid growth, climate change and land subsidence. Administrators and managers find it difficult to meet residents’
demands for a healthy and safe habitat. Furthermore, the cities need to be appealing locations for new industry. How
can all the demands be met?
Poor water quality
Untreated discharges of waste-
water have an adverse effect
on water quality and threaten
biodiversity and public health.
Groundwater abstraction
Unregulated groundwater abstraction exhausts
freshwater supplies, accelerates land subsidence
and exacerbates flood risks.
Inadequate flood defences
Dikes and embankments provide
inadequate protection.
Local flooding
Extreme rainfall and extensive hard
surfaces overload sewers.
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