Inspired by an article I read in the German Handelsblatt, I couldn't help but think that this innovative solution should be urgently considered for Portugal. As we face an increasing number of natural disasters, exacerbated by a long coastline and densely populated coastal cities, it's high time we adopt more intensive flood protection measures.

Danish municipalities have set a remarkable precedent by transforming former traffic lanes into green spaces and creating retention basins beneath sidewalks. These measures not only beautify urban areas but also enhance their resilience to flooding. Portuguese regions at risk, such as Greater Lisbon, the Tagus Valley, Porto, Aveiro, Coimbra, Leiria, the Douro Valley, and the coasts of the Algarve, Madeira, and the Azores, could greatly benefit from similar initiatives.

The urgency of such measures became clear on the day of the "millennium rain" in Denmark. In just a few hours, 135.4 millimeters of rain fell per square meter in the Copenhagen area—a deluge that typically spans two months. This unprecedented event spurred Danish architects and urban planners to reimagine the city's infrastructure, positioning Denmark as a global leader in flood protection. Today, few countries invest as heavily in safeguarding against rain and flooding as Denmark does, driven by its extensive coastline and the realities of climate change.

The impact of the 2011 cloudburst in Copenhagen was profound. Within hours, the city was submerged, causing damage worth nearly one billion euros. The root cause was clear: rapid urbanization had sealed off natural seepage surfaces, leaving the city vulnerable. The response was swift and innovative. Using 3D animations, experts mapped out the flow of water during heavy rainfall, identifying critical areas for intervention. This data informed a comprehensive plan that transformed the city's landscape.

A striking example is the transformation of a bustling roundabout into a green oasis within a residential area. What was once a double-lane traffic hub is now a lush space with vegetation acting like sponges to absorb rainwater. Parks and sidewalks have been redesigned to function as catch basins during rainfall, while also serving recreational purposes during dry periods. For instance, a skater park doubles as a water reservoir. In case of heavy rainfall, excess water is channeled via underground pipes to parks and sports facilities. These reservoirs remain inconspicuous during dry weather, bordered subtly by low walls.

Additional measures include green roofs, a network of retention basins, man-made riverbeds that serve as pedestrian pathways, and underground drainage systems. Collectively, these innovations have drastically reduced the occurrence of floods in Copenhagen.

The message is clear: flood protection must be prioritized globally. Ignoring this pressing issue will only lead to more disasters. This article serves as a modest call to action—each of us can contribute. Simple steps like reducing the paving of our outdoor spaces and increasing greenery can make a difference. This is particularly pertinent in places like the Algarve, where water scarcity due to drought often conflicts with flood preparedness. It may sound ironic, but it underscores a crucial point: we have only one planet and no second chances.

Let this be a gentle reminder to all: proactive measures today can prevent tomorrow's disasters. Let's learn from Denmark and start building our own sponge cities in Portugal.

Author

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

Paulo Lopes