Adaptive capacity of the Pearl River Delta cities in the face of the growing flood risk

Institutions, ideas and interests

Journal article (2021)

Authors

M.M. Dabrowski Spatial Planning and Strategy - Architecture and the Built Environment
D. Stead Spatial Planning and Strategy - Architecture and the Built Environment
J. He South China University of Technology
Feng Yu South China University of Technology
Research Group
Spatial Planning and Strategy (Architecture and the Built Environment) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2021 M.M. Dabrowski, D. Stead, J. He, Feng Yu
DOI
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https://doi.org/10.1177/0042098020951471
Spatial planning Climate change adaptation Governance Flood risk Adaptive capacity
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Published Date

2021

Language

English

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Faculty

Architecture and the Built Environment

Department

Urbanism

Research Group

Spatial Planning and Strategy

Abstract

Although the cities in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) in China are amongst the world’s cities most exposed to flooding due to climate change, surprisingly little is done to address this problem. This article explores the barriers to the emergence of policies adapting to the growing flood risk in two PRD cities, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, underlining the importance of the Chinese territorial governance system for adaptive capacity at the local level. Focusing on institutions, ideas and interests as a heuristic device, the article contributes to the literature on urban climate adaptation and the nexus of spatial planning and flood risk management by exploring why and how the development of the adaptive capacity of cities is hampered, despite an urgent need for it.