2026 Reports

Nature-based Adaptation to Address Climate Change-related Flooding: Insights on an Italian Coastal City

Pezzoli, Alessandro; Quagliolo, Carlotta; Comino, Elena

Coastal cities are likely to suffer from compound flooding due to simultaneous pluvial flood, fluvial flood and storm surge. In Liguria Region (Italy), the complex orography of the territory and longstanding processes of urbanization play a
major role in the worsening of their impacts. Moreover, changes in precipitation paths and the high level of impervious surfaces in urban areas are increasing their sensitivity. A modern approach relies on a resilient planning of the urban spaces rather than infrastructural interventions for addressing climate impacts. This study highlights how Nature-based Solutions (NbS) can help in compound flooding adaptation, and particularly by reducing the surface runoff. Pilot interventions, such as Green roofs and Rain gardens, have been simulated in most critical areas to assess the biophysical impacts of such natural measures. To quantify these benefits, the Urban Flood Risk Mitigation model (InVEST) integrated into a GIS environment have been employed.