In the face of escalating storm-surge disasters along coastal cities, a groundbreaking study led by Jian Tian from the School of Architecture at Tianjin University offers a fresh perspective on urban resilience planning. Published in the journal *Fengjing Yuanlin* (translated as “Windscapes and Forests”), the research delves into the intricate balance between the supply and demand of flood regulation ecosystem services (FRES), providing actionable strategies for mitigating storm-surge risks.
Traditional engineering-based flood control measures, such as levees and drainage systems, have proven insufficient in addressing the growing threats posed by extreme weather events and rapid urbanization. Tian’s research highlights the urgent need for a paradigm shift towards ecological solutions. “We are witnessing a growing imbalance between the supply and demand of urban ecosystem services,” Tian explains. “This imbalance is exacerbated by extreme weather events and rapid urbanization, making traditional flood control measures inadequate.”
The study focuses on the Fujian Delta urban agglomeration, developing an analytical framework to assess FRES supply and demand. On the supply side, the InVEST model—a spatially explicit ecosystem service assessment tool—is employed to quantify FRES provisioning capacity. On the demand side, a risk evaluation system based on the Hazard-Vulnerability (H-V) framework is established, incorporating indicators such as rainfall intensity, storm surge frequency, population density, economic development levels, and infrastructure fragility.
One of the key findings of the research is the pronounced spatial disparity in FRES supply between coastal and inland areas within the Fujian Delta. Inland zones, benefiting from favorable ecological conditions, generally exhibit a stronger capacity for flood regulation. However, the overall risk demand level in the Fujian Delta remains moderate, with significant spatial heterogeneity evident in coastal and urban core areas.
The research also uncovers a notable spatial mismatch between FRES supply and demand, with nearly 70% of the region falling into the extreme of high or low congruence. This mismatch is compounded by the intrinsic systemic interconnections between ecosystem processes and stormwater runoff, which current flood protection measures often overlook.
“Our analysis indicates that the majority of the Fujian Delta maintains a relatively favorable supply-demand balance,” Tian notes. “However, continuous coastal belts require immediate attention and targeted intervention.”
The prioritization analysis introduces a priority index (PRI) to rank intervention priorities for critical areas, providing a scientific basis for formulating targeted flood resilience planning strategies. The resilience space of the Fujian Delta is categorized into three distinct types: high risk—ecological restoration space, medium risk—ecological improvement space, and low risk—ecological protection space.
For high-risk areas, the immediate priority is to establish robust storm-surge disaster defense systems. Recommended measures include restoring native vegetation, rehabilitating wetland corridors, and incorporating adaptive hydrological and topographical design features in new urban developments. For medium-risk zones, the focus should be on harmonizing urban-rural ecological patterns and upgrading eco-oriented infrastructure networks. In low-risk areas, the emphasis lies in preserving existing ecological barriers and enhancing the hydrological regulation capacity of mountainous areas.
This research offers innovative insights into preventing and mitigating storm-surge disasters, with significant implications for the energy sector. As coastal cities continue to face escalating storm-surge risks, the integration of ecological solutions into urban planning and management becomes increasingly crucial. By reorienting urban planning from the perspective of ecosystem service supply and demand, this research provides a scientifically grounded basis for targeted storm-surge disaster mitigation practices.
The findings of this study are not only relevant to the Fujian Delta but also offer valuable insights for other coastal urban areas worldwide. As the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events continue to rise, the need for sustainable and adaptive strategies to mitigate storm-surge disasters becomes ever more pressing. Tian’s research serves as a compelling call to action for policymakers, urban planners, and energy sector stakeholders to prioritize ecological solutions in their resilience planning efforts.
Published in *Fengjing Yuanlin*, this study represents a significant step forward in our understanding of the complex interplay between ecosystem services and storm-surge risks. By integrating multisource data and employing advanced analytical tools, the research provides a comprehensive assessment of FRES supply and demand, offering actionable strategies for enhancing urban flood resilience. As we navigate the challenges posed by climate change and urbanization, the insights gleaned from this study will be invaluable in shaping the future of coastal urban development.