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The world is witnessing the increasing impact of climate change, with extreme weather events demonstrating a rise in both frequency and severity, particularly the escalating threat of flooding. This perturbing trend is closely intertwined with the shifting dynamics of precipitation due to climate change, amplifying the vulnerability of northern China to the throes of flood disasters. In the face of these challenges, research has a pivotal role in mitigating the effects of these disasters. 

Aligning with this mission, the new journal Smart Construction and Sustainable Cities explores innovative strategies and cutting-edge technologies that converge under the canopy of smart construction and sustainable urban development, steering us away from vulnerability towards resilience in the face of these disasters.

The world is witnessing the increasing impact of climate change, with extreme weather events demonstrating a rise in both frequency and severity, particularly the escalating threat of flooding. This perturbing trend is closely intertwined with the shifting dynamics of precipitation due to climate change, amplifying the vulnerability of northern China to the throes of flood disasters. In the face of these challenges, research has a pivotal role in mitigating the effects of these disasters. Aligning with this mission, the new journal Smart Construction and Sustainable Cities explores innovative strategies and cutting-edge technologies that converge under the canopy of smart construction and sustainable urban development, steering us away from vulnerability towards resilience in the face of these disasters.

Climate Change's Impacts on Disasters

The northward shift of China's monsoon belt, driven by global warming, has resulted in an increase in heavy rainfall events in previously less precipitation areas. The undeniable influence of climate change on precipitation patterns is exemplified by the revival of internal lakes and rivers in the once-barren expanses of Lop Nur. The resonance of this change manifests in the form of intensified rainfall, overwhelming rivers, submerged cities, and pervasive destruction. These changes reverberate throughout society, placing heightened pressure on flood control and disaster management strategies. These events underscore the urgency of addressing climate change and developing strategies that can help communities better adapt to these new climatic realities.

Migration of Precipitation Belt Northwards

The northward trajectory of precipitation belts reshapes the precipitation landscape. In July 2021, the normally arid Taklamakan Desert in the Xinjiang region suffered an unprecedented once-in-a-century flood. Moreover, the floods that plagued Henan Province in July 2021, ravaged Shanxi Province in October 2021, attacked the Liaoning Province in August 2022, and inundated the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and northeastern provinces in August 2023, collectively spotlight the multifaceted challenges resulting from this northward migration of precipitation. These incidents exemplify the intensified flood risks in northern China. Compounded by historical urban planning deficiencies, these areas face amplified vulnerability, unable to effectively mitigate waterlogging and inundation in the wake of intense rainfall.

Navigating Urban Challenges and Vulnerabilities

Given the escalation in extreme weather events caused by climate change, the imperative of resilient urban infrastructure becomes paramount. Smart and sustainable urban development principles illuminate a path forward in curtailing flood and climate-related damages. Through the integration of innovative technologies and sustainable urban practices, this initiative seeks to cultivate urban landscapes that are fortified against the uncertainties of climate change. Nurturing urban sustainability, enhancing resilience, and mitigating vulnerabilities arising from shifting precipitation patterns.

Collaborative Research for a Resilient Future

Advancing urban resilience demands the support of research. The freshly minted open access journal, Smart Construction and Sustainable Cities, stands as an avenue of convergence, bridging researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. By sharing insights, innovations, and case studies, the journal aims to drive the development and implementation of solutions that mitigate the impact of climate change-induced disasters. We invite you to become a part of this collective journey, where your research holds the potential to ignite transformative change. Your submissions possess the potential to significantly shape urban resilience's trajectory.

Take a look at the open access journal, and why not consider submitting your next paper to the journal? It is fully sponsored by Shantou University, meaning authors do not need to pay an article processing charge.

We also invite you to visit the PÕ¾ÊÓƵ SDG Programme hub, which includes hubs for all the SDGs, including SDG11 Sustainable Cities & Communities.

About the authors

Xin-Hui Zhou, doctoral candidate pursuing her Ph.D. through a joint program between Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the National University of Singapore. 

Shui-Long Shen, Dean and distinguished Professor, College of Engineering, Shantou University, and Guest Professor of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China. Collaborating with other international institutions, including Saga University, Virginia Tech, The University of Kansas, The University of Hong Kong, Ecole Centrale de Nantes, Swinburne University of Technology, RMIT University, as a guest/visiting/adjunct professor. Editor-in-Chief of , Professor Shen’s research interests focus on the urban underground infrastructural system, smart maintenance of urban underground facilities, risk modeling, artificial intelligence, smart flood management, and intelligent disaster prevention.