Damga :
#Global Warming, Climate Change and Floods.
As part of my reflections on global warming, cryosphere melting and climate change, I am convinced that deforestation is not the only phenomenon contributing to this change.
Indeed, modern construction leads to land artificialization and soil sealing. Concrete, paving stones, asphalt and tiles indirectly contribute to these phenomena.
These mineral materials have low reflectivity and high thermal inertia. They therefore prevent evapotranspiration and block the soil’s natural thermal regulation.
This retention of sensible heat promotes the appearance of Urban Heat Islands (UHIs). When this accumulated heat can no longer dissipate into the atmosphere, it intensifies warming phenomena at the local or regional scale.
Furthermore, soil sealing greatly reduces rainwater infiltration. Water then runs off on the surface instead of infiltrating, which increases the frequency and intensity of floods in urban and peri-urban areas.
Like a pot closed with a lid on the fire, heat is confined and the temperature rises rapidly. Conversely, an open pot allows steam to escape and enables thermal regulation. Similarly, a concreted surface is like a closed pot: it retains heat and prevents water from infiltrating.
For this reason, I recommend to all companies and local authorities that before artificializing an area with tiles, paving stones, asphalt or concrete, it is crucial to integrate permeable pavements and micro- or macro-porosity systems. These developments allow water infiltration, heat dissipation and reduce flood risks, within a framework of sustainable urban planning and the "sponge city" concept.
M. HAROUNA Damaga, Student in Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
2026-07-02 18:05:33