Sponge cities are a response to climate change, but the implementation is fraught with challenges. This concept, which is characterized by various greening and water absorption measures, promotes urban cooling, supports biodiversity, beautifies the cityscape and helps to cope with heavy rainfall. Despite the scientifically proven benefits and numerous examples of best practice, the potential of sponge cities is far from exhausted. But what obstacles stand in the way of widespread implementation? These and other questions are being addressed in the “Sponge City: Implementing Blue-Green Infrastructures” project, which was commissioned by the Federal Environment Agency.

The realignment of the socio-technical system for dealing with water is of central importance here. This system is made up of several elements: specific measures, stakeholders and relevant institutions that influence each other. 

To enable the transition to more resilient cities, a deep understanding of these elements is required. The implementation of blue-green infrastructures is a complex cross-cutting and collaborative task that involves not only political-administrative actors, but also funding providers, planning and implementation experts and urban society. The way in which these stakeholders are involved in implementation and interact with each other is embedded in institutional frameworks. These are characterized by rules, regulations and political, economic and social structures. Successfully implementing the sponge city therefore requires commitment, cooperation and a clear focus on common goals. Only in this way can cities become more resilient to the challenges of climate change and contribute to a sustainable future worth living in. 

View article (DE)