Cities and Flooding : A Guide to Integrated Urban Flood Risk Management for the 21st Century - A summary for policy makers

Abstract

Urban flooding is a serious and growing development challenge. Against the backdrop of demographic growth, urbanization trends and climate changes, the causes of floods are shifting and their impacts are accelerating. This large and evolving challenge means that far more needs to be done by policy makers to better understand and more effectively manage existing and future risks. This summary accompanies Cities and Flood: A Guide to Integrated Urban Flood Risk Management for the 21st Century which provides forward-looking operational guidance on how to manage the risk of floods in a transforming urban environment and changeable climate. The guide argues for a strategic approach to managing flood risk, in which appropriate measure are identified, assessed, selected and integrated in a process that both involves and informs the full range of stakeholders.