Rethinking Flood Management: A Paradigm Shift Through Circular Economy and Green Infrastructure Perspectives
Authors
Fatemeh Latif Far , Sahra Mohammadi, Misagh Haji Amiri
Abstract
Urban flooding is an escalating crisis that necessitates a fundamental rethinking of water management strategies. Traditional flood mitigation approaches, such as stormwater drainage systems and retention basins, primarily focus on diverting excess water away from urban areas, treating it as a nuisance rather than a resource. However, as climate change and rapid urbanization intensify flood risks, these conventional methods are insufficient to foster long-term resilience. This article argues that adopting a Circular Economy Water Framework can revolutionize urban flood management by transforming floodwaters into valuable assets. By integrating circular economy principles—such as water reuse, nature-based solutions, and adaptive urban design—cities can reduce vulnerabilities, enhance resilience, and promote environmental sustainability. Instead of simply expelling stormwater, innovative strategies can capture, treat, and repurpose it for irrigation, groundwater recharge, and non-potable urban uses. The paper discusses the requirements for sustainable change from literature and successful examples worldwide. The transition to circular water management requires interdisciplinary collaboration, community engagement, and progressive policy reforms. By incorporating flood-resilient infrastructure, sustainable urban design, and participatory governance, cities can mitigate flood risks while addressing water scarcity and environmental degradation. This perspective urges urban planners, policymakers, and researchers to rethink floodwaters not as a crisis to be managed but as an opportunity to build more sustainable and adaptive cities.
Keyword: Flood Management, Urban Flooding, Flood Mitigation, Water Management, Circular Economy, Green Infrastructure.
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