The Role of Climate Change in Increased Flood Frequency
Session
Civil Engineering, Infrastructure and Environment
Description
According to the European Environment Agency, extreme weather events pose increasing risks to ecosystems, buildings, infrastructure, and human health. As climate change accelerates, these events are expected to become more frequent and intense, already causing substantial damage and loss. The rise in global temperatures is manifesting in increased rainfall in many regions, particularly in Europe, leading to more frequent flooding. Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), together with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), in 2023, the impacts of climate change continued to be felt across Europe, affecting millions of people through extreme weather events. Regarding hydrological variables in Europe: In 2023, Europe as a whole experienced around 7% more precipitation than the average. Across the European river network, river flows reached record highs for December, with "exceptionally high" flow in almost a quarter of the network. Throughout the year, one-third of the European river network saw river flows exceed the "high" flood threshold, while 16% exceeded the "severe" flood threshold. Also in 2024, many areas in Europe, including the Balkans, experienced intense rainfall that resulted in floods with a return period of over 100 years. This caused significant material damage and, unfortunately, led to the loss of lives across several countries. Kosovo, like other countries in Europe, was faced with frequent floods for many years. In 2021, the floods were considered historic, while in January 2023, the cities of Skenderaj, Mitrovica, Podujeva, Istog and Klina had significant material damage. Only in Skenderaj, the damages from the floods were estimated to be close to 12 million euros. Data from the Institute of Hydrometeorology of Kosovo for the Prishtina region from 2001 to 2023 indicates that the average temperature during this period is 11.3°C, nearly 1°C higher than it was 20 years ago. The average annual rainfall recorded is 659.8 mm, an increase of 70 mm compared to the historical data from 1948 to 1988, which recorded an average of 579 mm. Intense, short-duration rainfalls have become more frequent, especially in urban areas. In June 2024, Pristina experienced a heavy downpour that produced 61.5 mm of rain in just 30 minutes, causing widespread flooding in many parts of the city. Climate change is now highly evident, with floods expected to become more frequent and severe. Immediate action is required in several areas, including expanding green spaces, restricting construction in high-risk zones, building water retention systems to manage initial flood surges, and improving rainwater drainage and discharge infrastructure, integrated with green infrastructure.
Keywords:
Extreme Weather Events, Urban Flooding, Flash Floods, Flood Mitigation.
Proceedings Editor
Edmond Hajrizi
ISBN
978-9951-982-15-3
Location
UBT Kampus, Lipjan
Start Date
25-10-2024 9:00 AM
End Date
27-10-2024 6:00 PM
DOI
10.33107/ubt-ic.2024.342
Recommended Citation
Bublaku, Skender and Retkoceri, Blertë, "The Role of Climate Change in Increased Flood Frequency" (2024). UBT International Conference. 40.
https://knowledgecenter.ubt-uni.net/conference/2024UBTIC/CEIE/40
The Role of Climate Change in Increased Flood Frequency
UBT Kampus, Lipjan
According to the European Environment Agency, extreme weather events pose increasing risks to ecosystems, buildings, infrastructure, and human health. As climate change accelerates, these events are expected to become more frequent and intense, already causing substantial damage and loss. The rise in global temperatures is manifesting in increased rainfall in many regions, particularly in Europe, leading to more frequent flooding. Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), together with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), in 2023, the impacts of climate change continued to be felt across Europe, affecting millions of people through extreme weather events. Regarding hydrological variables in Europe: In 2023, Europe as a whole experienced around 7% more precipitation than the average. Across the European river network, river flows reached record highs for December, with "exceptionally high" flow in almost a quarter of the network. Throughout the year, one-third of the European river network saw river flows exceed the "high" flood threshold, while 16% exceeded the "severe" flood threshold. Also in 2024, many areas in Europe, including the Balkans, experienced intense rainfall that resulted in floods with a return period of over 100 years. This caused significant material damage and, unfortunately, led to the loss of lives across several countries. Kosovo, like other countries in Europe, was faced with frequent floods for many years. In 2021, the floods were considered historic, while in January 2023, the cities of Skenderaj, Mitrovica, Podujeva, Istog and Klina had significant material damage. Only in Skenderaj, the damages from the floods were estimated to be close to 12 million euros. Data from the Institute of Hydrometeorology of Kosovo for the Prishtina region from 2001 to 2023 indicates that the average temperature during this period is 11.3°C, nearly 1°C higher than it was 20 years ago. The average annual rainfall recorded is 659.8 mm, an increase of 70 mm compared to the historical data from 1948 to 1988, which recorded an average of 579 mm. Intense, short-duration rainfalls have become more frequent, especially in urban areas. In June 2024, Pristina experienced a heavy downpour that produced 61.5 mm of rain in just 30 minutes, causing widespread flooding in many parts of the city. Climate change is now highly evident, with floods expected to become more frequent and severe. Immediate action is required in several areas, including expanding green spaces, restricting construction in high-risk zones, building water retention systems to manage initial flood surges, and improving rainwater drainage and discharge infrastructure, integrated with green infrastructure.