Resilience of Polish cities and their rainwater management policies

• Published in: Urban climate 2022-07, Vol.44, p.101228, Article 101228
• Main Authors: Szpak, Agnieszka, Modrzyńska, Joanna, Piechowiak, Joanna
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Climate change adaptation; Polish cities; Rainwater management; Resilience
• ISSN: 2212-0955; 2212-0955
• DOI: 10.1016/j.uclim.2022.101228

Taking into account the literature at the intersection of climate change studies and urban studies, the authors examine and compare rainwater management policies in selected Polish cities. There is a special emphasis on urban resilience in order to define their role in ensuring safe living conditions for their residents, including processes of adapting to climate change. The aim is to show how rainwater in a city can be perceived as an opportunity and not only a problem or a challenge. The main research questions are: What measures do Polish cities undertake to build resilience in the context of water management policies? What kinds of documents at the local level are relevant to such measures? Are the provisions contained in these documents implemented or do they remain only a dead letter? The answers require the examination of various documents including climate change adaptation plans and development strategies adopted by Polish cities in this regard. •Polish cities face frequent floodings resulting from an inability to manage rainwater.•Due to scarce water resources Poland will face droughts or even desertification.•Polish cities have an important role to play in rainwater management systems.•Polish cities vigorously adopt/implement regulations on adequate rainwater management.