Planning for the Deluge

Perhaps it's the fact that much of the Netherlands is below the current sea level that makes its planners more proactive in trying to find solutions for the extreme weather events that will follow climate change? Reports that the city of Arnhem is set to 'reconfigure' its layout in anticipation, emphasises the point (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/29/dutch-city-arnhem-redraws-layout-prepare-global-heating-effects). The city reportedly plan to replace 10% of its asphalt with grassed areas to improve the uptake of rainwater. The aim is for 90% of the water from anticipated downpours to be absorbed by the soil rather than to be directed to the drains. They also hope to deal with hot spells by increasing the shade along roads by planting trees as well as creating specific cooling areas with associated ponds. All this is in marked contrast with the UK where many grassed areas in the front of people's houses in towns and cities are currently being asphalted to create parking spots for cars.