Part 6/9:
Rummelsberg in East Berlin features green roofs and swale channels that allow rainwater to seep naturally into the ground instead of overwhelming sewer systems.
In the U.S. and Indonesia, cities are exploring similar projects as part of climate adaptation strategies.
These initiatives are driven by the recognition that investing in green infrastructure can not only protect lives and property but also enhance urban quality of life.
The Challenges: Cost and Commitment
Despite their promise, sponge cities require massive upfront investment and full commitment. Retrofitting existing urban areas or designing new developments around green principles involves significant costs—often totaling billions of dollars over multiple years.