Spatial Integration of Urban Runoff Modeling, Heat, and Social Vulnerability for Blue-Green Infrastructure Planning and Management
Publication: Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management
Volume 148, Issue 11
Abstract
Climate change exacerbates environmental challenges caused by urban growth. This study offers a multifaceted approach to understanding socioenvironmental vulnerability in cities by considering fine-scale spatial distribution of social and physical metrics overlaid with runoff and surface temperature (ST) data. Stormwater runoff depth and surface temperature data for micro-subbasins in Philadelphia were estimated and integrated to create an environmental vulnerability index. Social variables representing poverty, the elderly population, population density, and buildings with basements were used to develop a social vulnerability index. Simple analysis based on medians of combined environmental and social vulnerability indexes identified specific subbasins of the city that are most vulnerable to heat and flooding impacts of climate change. Hotspot analysis of combined social and environmental vulnerability data identified regions of the city that would benefit most from a focus on implementation of new green-blue infrastructures. Results indicated that neighborhoods in southern Philadelphia are most vulnerable to flooding and heat. The outlined approach can be used for any city, and provides city managers with a city-scale visualization for prioritizing areas in immediate need of climate mitigation practices.
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Data Availability Statement
Data used for the completion of this manuscript can be provided on request. Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request (social vulnerability index, environmental vulnerability index, and overall vulnerability index).
Acknowledgments
The authors thank Villanova University College of Engineering for funding this project. The authors also thank the Villanova Center for Research and Fellowship (CRF) along with Villanova Center for Resilient Water systems (VCRWS) for supporting this project. The authors declare no competing financial interest. The first two authors of this work contributed equally to the creation of the manuscript.
Disclaimer
The opinions presented in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily express the opinions of other institutes, including the Philadelphia Water Department. Reference in this report to any commercial product, process, or service, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or certification of any kind by the authors.
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Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management
Volume 148 • Issue 11 • November 2022
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© 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: Aug 27, 2021
Accepted: May 10, 2022
Published online: Aug 23, 2022
Published in print: Nov 1, 2022
Discussion open until: Jan 23, 2023
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