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Nature-based solutions efficiency evaluation against natural hazards: Modelling methods, advantages and limitations.
Prashant Kumar1, Sisay E Debele2, Jeetendra Sahani2
1Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom; Department of Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
The Science of the Total Environment
|June 5, 2021
Summary
Nature-based solutions (NBS) effectively manage hydro-meteorological risks (HMRs), but standard evaluation methods are lacking. This study reviews current models for NBS performance assessment, highlighting the need for better tools to support wider implementation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science and Engineering
- Climate Change Adaptation
- Risk Management
Background:
- Nature-based solutions (NBS) are gaining traction for managing hydro-meteorological risks (HMRs).
- Significant challenges exist in standardizing methodologies for evaluating NBS performance and scaling up their implementation.
- Existing models often lack the specificity to fully assess NBS effectiveness for diverse HMRs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate current models and tools for the optimal allocation, design, and efficiency assessment of NBS across five HMRs.
- To identify gaps in methodologies for evaluating NBS performance and cost-benefit analyses.
- To provide a synthesis of modeling methods to guide NBS selection and implementation.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of state-of-the-art models and tools used for NBS in flooding, droughts, heatwaves, landslides, and storm surges.
- Analysis of model flexibility in evaluating specific NBS types (e.g., wetlands, trees, green roofs, coral reefs).
- Assessment of current methodologies for NBS efficiency and cost-benefit analysis.
Main Results:
- Methods for assessing NBS efficiency and cost-benefits are underdeveloped, often relying on adaptations of fluid dynamics models.
- Several numerical models (e.g., MIKE-SHE, SWMM, WRF, ENVI-met, FUNWAVE-TVD, TELEMAC) show flexibility for evaluating specific NBS performance.
- No readily available models holistically assess the multiple benefits and cost-effectiveness of NBS for HMR reduction.
Conclusions:
- Current models and tools are insufficient for a comprehensive assessment of NBS performance and cost-effectiveness.
- A need exists for bespoke modeling tools that holistically evaluate NBS components for HMR reduction.
- Developing such tools is crucial for building evidence to support NBS upscaling and implementation over traditional 'grey' infrastructure.
Keywords:
Climate-impact mitigationCost-effectivenessNBS upscalingNature-inspired solutionsNumerical modelsPerformance evaluationMore Related Videos
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