Impact of Climate Change on Urban and Industrial Drainage Systems: Challenges, Assessment, and Adaptive Measures

https://doi.org/10.46610/JoRAAS.2025.v010i02.002

Abstract

Climate change has caused noticeable changes in rainfall patterns worldwide, leading to frequent and intense storms that place a heavy burden on existing drainage systems. Rapid urbanization, land sealing, and aging infrastructure have reduced cities’ and industrial areas’ ability to manage stormwater effectively. Research carried out in India, China, and Europe shows that current drainage designs are inadequate to manage future rainfall conditions. Studies using hydrological tools like the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) show that the frequency and volume of floods will increase significantly in the coming decades, even under moderate climate scenarios. Findings highlight the urgent need to improve stormwater management through climate-based planning and modern modelling approaches. Integrating climate projections with hydrodynamic models helps identify vulnerable areas and guide adaptation strategies. Measures such as retention ponds, blue-green infrastructure, and permeable surfaces can reduce runoff and strengthen system performance. Together, these efforts can make drainage systems more resilient and help communities adapt to the growing impacts of climate change.