Urbanization, the change of forest and agricultural lands to concentrated development, is proceeding at an unprecedented pace. The majority of the world’s population now lives in urban areas. Impervious surface, such as roadways and rooftops are now estimated to cover approximately 10% of the earth’s land mass, is concentrated in these urban areas and dramatically influences stormwater flows, the delivery of pollutants to receiving water bodies, and ultimately the condition of world’s rivers, lakes and estuaries. Present trends in urbanization are expected to continue, amplifying the stormwater problem.
Green infrastructure, at site specific and regional scales, is being promoted as an effective and efficient means of regulating the stormwater flows and pollutant loading, while providing multiple environmental and health and well-being benefits that support sustainability. Despite these added benefits, municipal leaders face significant challenges when attempting to implement green infrastructure strategies in new and existing development.
The purpose of this conference is to engage researchers, engineers, planners, government policy makers, and other stakeholders in developing options and solutions that result in wider implementation of green infrastructure practices to manage stormwater in our growing metropolitan regions.
Conference Themes:
- Defining the range of benefits of green-infrastructure practices;
- Identifying barriers to implementing these practices;
- Evaluating options and opportunities for funding, financing and valuing green infrastructure; and
- Developing practical actions that government, communities and others can take to promote greater implementation of green infrastructure to address urban stormwater.
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