A response to climate change: the role of sponge cities in flood mitigation in Lages, SC, Brazil

The article studies the mitigation of urban flooding through the implementation of green infrastructure, focusing on the concept of sponge cities. The case study is from Lages, in Santa Catarina. The initial provocation of this work will take place with the events in Rio Grande do Sul in 2024. The objective is to explore sustainable solutions to mitigate natural disasters, especially floods, through the adoption of infrastructures such as sponge cities. Furthermore, the study aims to identify best international practices and evaluate their applicability in Lages. Given the increase in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters due to climate change, it is urgent to implement effective solutions to reduce impacts in urban areas. The methodology used is qualitative and exploratory, based on a literature review and case analysis in the implementation of green infrastructure for rainwater management. Case studies in China and other regions, such as New York, Copenhagen and New Orleans. Assessment of the impact of infrastructure initiatives in Brazil, with emphasis on RJ and SC. The results obtained: the improvement of sponge cities that reduce the impacts of urban flooding, international examples with a combination of infiltration, storage and reuse of rainwater reduce surface runoff and improve the resilience of urban areas. In the case of Lages, the adoption of rain gardens, permeable pavements and sustainable drainage systems is recommended. The analysis also suggests that cross-sector collaboration and integration of climate resilience strategies are focal points for the success of initiatives.