International Master of Environmental Policy (iMEP)
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10161/18332
Master's projects by students in the Duke Kunshan International Master of Environmental Policy program.
The masters project is done in partial fulfillment of the degree requirements for the professional Internaional Master of Environmental Policy degree. While the MP may include original laboratory or field research, it may also take the form of management plans, handbooks, educational curricula, or other such products. Each student is advised by a faculty member who reviews and approves the project prior to completion.
A masters projects that is original research should not be as large as a masters thesis although it should be of publishable quality but not necessarily comprehensive enough to stand alone as a publication. A masters projects that does not follow the usual format for scientific research should follow a framework that is considered good practice in an appropriate field.
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Recent Submissions
Item Open Access Coupled Social, Natural, and Economic Systems: Advancing the Renewable Energy Crossover by 13 Years(2025-04-24) Liu, KaidiAchieving deep decarbonization requires more than technological solutions, demands a systemic understanding of how economic activity, energy demand, and climate feedback co evolve. Yet most integrated models assume unidirectional causality, overlooking the nonlinear feedback loops that shape emission pathways. Here, we develop the Integrated Socio–Energy– Ecologic–Climate–Economics (ISE3C) model, which explicitly couples climate-induced economic damages with energy system dynamics. By endogenizing Climate-Adjusted GDP (CA-GDP), the model captures how warming suppresses economic output, thereby altering primary energy demand and fossil fuel use. Scenario simulations reveal that early investment and rapid policy response can accelerate the renewable crossover by up to 13 years. However, economic feedback also slows clean energy diffusion, delaying deep decarbonization despite lower aggregate emissions. These findings highlight the dual-edged nature of climate– economy feedback: while they may reduce demand, they also risk stalling transitions unless counterbalanced by proactive policy and investment.Item Embargo The effect of China’s expanded ecological red lines on global soy and maize production, trade, and shifting land use(2025-04-30) Khan, RoshanThis project investigates the agricultural spillover effect of China’s expanded ecological red line, announced after the 30x30 Target in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. China contends with millions of hectares in conflict area as its ecological red line overlaps with cropland. China is also the world’s top importer of soybean and maize, but a recent food security law aims to increase domestic grain production and reduce imports. We combine scenarios of a strict or lenient ecological red line with an effective or ineffective law, then study the extremes of crop intensification or extensification to meet food deficits. We quantify the potential impact of the expanded ecological red line on China’s soy and maize production to be 3.3 million metrics tons of soybean and 33.6 million metric tons of maize. In the lowest deficit scenario, the agricultural spillover effect could require yield increases of 31.6% for soy and 19.8% for maize in China by 2033, along with moderate yield improvements (3% soy, 8.8% maize) in Brazil. Alternatively, China could expand cropland by 889,447 hectares for soy and 2,006,126 hectares for maize. In the highest deficit scenario, China would need to increase yields by 127% for soy and 39% for maize, or expand cropland by over 9 million hectares for each soy and maize. We conclude that intensification is more feasible to compensate the majority of future soy and maize deficit, and we map areas of likely crop expansion and intensification to the Matopiba region in Brazil. These findings can support further research on balancing biodiversity conservation and food security.Item Open Access LOW CARBON TRANSFORMATION OF KUNSHAN INDUSTRIES AND POLICY PROMOTION: 1985- 2020(2025-04-17) Zhang, Bolin; Wang, Yenching; Pan, MingzhangKunshan, one of China’s key industrial centers, has undergone a significant low-carbon transformation over the past three decades. This study examines the evolution of Kunshan’s industrial structure from labor-intensive manufacturing to high-tech and green industries, analyzing the role of government policies in driving this transition. Using enterprise registration and patent data from 1987 to 2020, we assess the impact of national, regional, and local policies on innovation and business development. Our findings reveal two key economic turning points: a surge in patent applications in 2008-2009, driven by R&D incentives, and a sharp increase in enterprise registrations in 2015-2016, facilitated by business-friendly reforms. Case studies of the Kunshan Development Zone and Yushan Town highlight the effectiveness of targeted policy interventions in fostering industrial upgrading. While Kunshan has made substantial progress, regional disparities in economic growth and challenges in balancing sustainability with industrial expansion remain. This study provides policy recommendations for sustaining Kunshan’s momentum toward a green and innovation-driven economy.Item Open Access Exploring the Factors of Transition after Coal Mine Closure on S Village, X Village, and H Village in L City, Hunan: A Multi-Case Comparative Study(2025-04-29) Weijia, Ran; Qijia, TangThis study examines the divergent socio-economic outcomes of three coal-dependent villages (H, S, and X) in L City, Hunan Province, following mine closures. Using qualitative comparative analysis, semi-structured interviews, and field observations, the research identifies geographic conditions, governance efficacy, and social resilience as key determinants of post-closure transitions. H Village’s success stemmed from urban proximity, proactive governance, and economic diversification, while S and X faced geographic isolation, governance gaps, and skill mismatches. Findings highlight the critical role of location advantages, equitable compensation, and participatory policy design in fostering sustainable transitions. The study recommends shifting from compensation-focused approaches to systemic empowerment, integrating ecological restoration with industrial revitalization, and prioritizing infrastructure investments to break development traps in coal-dependent regions.Item Open Access Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Landscape Effects of Plantation Forestry on Biodiversity Conservation(2025-04-28) Wang, ShuhanThe interplay between ecological balance and anthropogenic alterations in the modern, ever-changing natural and human landscapes has resulted in significant impacts on biodiversity, while revealing a series of pressing research gaps. While existing studies have revealed some direct effects of tree plantations on biodiversity, in-depth analyses of how plantations indirectly affect biodiversity through the configuration and complexity of surrounding landscapes are insufficient. Specifically, there are still significant gaps in understanding how the size and connectivity of forest fragments, the presence of natural vegetation corridors, the percentage of surrounding natural or secondary forests, and the overall landscape mosaic combine to affect species richness and abundance in plantation ecosystems. In addition, interactions between plantations and neighboring ecosystems, whether they facilitate species migration or create barriers are poorly understood. These research gaps limit our ability to comprehensively assess the ecological impacts of plantations and optimize their contribution to biodiversity conservation. This study aims to fill these gaps by exploring how plantations contribute to biodiversity restoration and what role landscape complexity plays in this process. Specifically, this study investigated whether plantation forests can restore biodiversity to near-natural forest levels, and how factors such as habitat connectivity, forest fragment size, and landscape heterogeneity influence the success of this restoration through meta-analysis . By focusing on landscape-level impacts, the research will provide valuable insights into how plantation management can be designed to support biodiversity restoration, not just within plantations, but across the landscape. This approach will contribute to the development of conservation practices that integrate biodiversity restoration with sustainable plantation forestry, ultimately promoting greater ecosystem resilience.Item Open Access Promoting the Establishment and Development of Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) in China(2025-04-22) Mu, Jeffery; Peng, Yuhan; Yan, XiaociAgainst the backdrop of the evolving global biodiversity governance system, Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) have become a critical instrument for achieving the “30×30” target under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Characterized by high inclusiveness, diverse governance actors, and flexible management approaches, OECMs enable long-term and effective in situ biodiversity conservation even when conservation is not the primary management objective. This study systematically reviews the conceptual development and international practices of OECMs, and, through policy analysis, comparative case studies, and institutional design, explores the application scenarios and implementation pathways for OECMs in China. The findings reveal that although China has formally incorporated OECMs into its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), substantial gaps remain in recognition standards, governance structures, and incentive mechanisms. Comparative analysis of international cases demonstrates that effective promotion of OECMs relies on four key elements: strong governmental policy support, scientifically rigorous recognition standards, inclusive multi-stakeholder governance structures, and robust incentive mechanisms. Based on the experiences of South Africa, Japan, Canada, and Colombia, this study proposes: (1) positioning OECMs as a complementary mechanism both within and beyond the Ecological Conservation Redlines (ECRLs); (2) establishing a tiered governance structure categorized by ecological, agricultural, and urban spaces, with centralized coordination by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and decentralized implementation at the local level; (3) developing a multi-actor OECM recognition mechanism and differentiated recognition pathways; and (4) improving a dual-track incentive system combining "certification incentives" and "support incentives" to promote the sustainable management of OECMs. This study aims to provide a feasible pathway for constructing a more diverse, inclusive, and efficient ecological conservation system in China, contributing to realizing the national “30×30” target and offering a Chinese perspective to global biodiversity governance.Item Open Access Measuring the Effectiveness of China’s Mangrove Nature Reserves (MNRs)(2025-04-25) Pan, JiaerThis study evaluates the effectiveness of China’s Mangrove Nature Reserves (MNRs) from 2000 to 2015 using remote sensing, GIS, and econometric analysis. Results show that MNRs are effective in promoting mangrove afforestation and improving ecosystem productivity, especially in areas without prior mangrove cover. However, restoration efforts in existing mangrove zones show limited gains in biodiversity and climate regulation value, partly due to historical degradation and the way ecosystem services are valued. Provincial-level MNRs perform best overall, balancing ecological and socio-economic outcomes, while national-level MNRs face more challenges. The study recommends promoting afforestation in degraded areas, adopting flexible local management, and integrating community engagement. MNRs, especially in urban regions like the Pearl River Delta, also help buffer development pressures and support long-term ecological resilience.Item Open Access Modeling and Analysis of Least-Cost Electrification using a Custom Python Tool and Monte Carlo Simulations(2025-04-24) Mergenhagen, FelixAchieving universal energy access in remote and rural regions such as Antongil Bay is a key challenge that is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7), which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for all. This study, which is designed to assist the project ”Promotion of Rural Electrification through Renewable Energies” (PERER) by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), provides a comprehensive analysis of electrification strategies to inform policymakers, development organizations, and local stakeholders. The analysis employs geospatial data, clustering algorithms, and Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) calculations to determine the most cost-effective technology mix. The study uses a discounted cash flow model, based on assumptions specific to the technology in question, to calculate the LCOE. A Monte Carlo simulation with 5,000 iterations captures uncertainty by assigning triangular distributions to key inputs such as CAPEX and connection rates. A sensitivity assessment was conducted by employing Spearman’s correlation coefficient to identify the most influential parameters. This approach provides a robust, probabilistic estimate of LCOE outcomes tailored to the local context. A cost-sharing model is applied to optimize grid extension costs, ensuring an equitable distribution of infrastructure expenses among connected households. The results indicate that, while grid extensions require significant upfront investment, they offer the lowest long-term costs per kilowatt-hour in high-density areas. Mini-grids are identified as a viable solution for medium-density communities, whereas SHS remain the most practical option for sparsely populated areas, despite their higher per-unit costs. The study emphasizes the financial and logistical challenges in the electrification process and underscores the importance of tailored approaches to infrastructure development. The proposed framework is designed to function as a decision-support tool to facilitate the achievement of sustainable and cost-effective energy access solutions in Antongil Bay and analogous regions, thereby contributing to the broader objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 7 and sustainable rural development.Item Open Access Global Circular Economy Status of Retired Traction Lithium-ion Batteries: Market, Policy, and Technological Gaps and Causes(2025-04-25) Zhong, Xujia; Yang, Jinjin; Lu, YinanThe global shift to electric mobility has heightened the urgency of managing retired traction lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) through circular economy (CE) principles. This study evaluates the CE landscape by analyzing market trends, policy frameworks, and technological advancements across key global regions. Using a SWOT-TOWS framework, we identify persistent economic, regulatory, and technological gaps hindering LIBs circularity. While China leads in large-scale battery recycling, fragmented policies and infrastructure challenges limit adoption elsewhere. Economic disincentives, such as the high cost of recycled materials, further impede progress. Despite breakthroughs in lithium recovery technologies, commercial adoption remains slow. Findings suggest that scaling circular solutions requires coordinated efforts between industry, governments, and academia. We recommend integrating extended producer responsibility, formalizing informal recycling channels, and incentivizing second-life applications to drive a sustainable LIBs industry.Item Open Access Environmental Discourse in Chinese Government Weibo Accounts(2025-04-24) Qian, LeYi; Liu, JiaqiItem Embargo Examining the Strategic Commodification of Nature and Culture for Development: A Case Study of Baiyu County on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau(2024) He, LingyuIn the modern era, both Tibetan communities and the Chinese government employ strategies to commodify natural and cultural heritages for economic development, raising concerns about the preservation of the very core of Tibetan values. This study, using ethnographic methods, investigates the trade of thangkas and fungi in Baiyu County in the Kham region of Tibet. Interviews with a wide range of individuals, from senior Buddhists to government officials, indicate that both Tibetan culture and Buddhist belief have no power to overhaul market structures; rather, they function as flexible conduits to navigate the challenging realities of the market for Tibetans. In addition, a content analysis of policy documents about Baiyu County’s development plan since 2000 highlights a prioritization of public infrastructure construction, county branding initiatives, and natural resource exploitation, with minimal attention given to the revival of religious traditions and practices.Item Open Access Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Policy in China(2024-04-29) Xu, MichelleItem Open Access The Accessibility and Effectiveness of Zero-carbon Certification for Scenic Spots - A Case Study of Huanghai National Forest Park(2024-04-26) Fu, Yanxin; Tian, NannanWith the dual carbon targets of China and the continuous rise of tourism, promoting green development has become the consensus of the industry. In this context, the creation of zero-carbon scenic spots has become a trend. Multiple scenic spots in China successfully gain the zero-carbon title through different certification standards produced by various certification authorities. As a new branch of certification area, whether such certification could be obtained by majority of scenic spots and effectively deliver emission reduction outcomes remains unknown. Therefore, this study chooses Huanghai National Forest Park, the first scenic spot that receives the zero-carbon certification from China Quality Mark, as case study to evaluate the accessibility and effectiveness of the certification standard.Item Open Access Prospects and challenges in regulating the emerging global biodiversity credit market(2024-04-29) Khatri, JasmineBiodiversity loss is one of the key environmental issues of our time, with species declining at their fastest rate in human history and numerous key biomes under threat. Yet the gap in biodiversity financing remains vast, at USD $830 billion. Private sector approaches have been fast growing in order to meet this demand, with biodiversity credits being the latest market initiative to emerge. This report takes a deep dive into the current state of the biodiversity credit market and its regulatory tools, and whether the direction of the market is commensurate to the problem it is trying to solve. Using a mixture of content analysis and in-depth interviews with key market stakeholders, the report provides a critical analysis of the market state and offers pertinent recommendations that encourage a re-evaluation of market foundations.Item Open Access Institutional Innovation for Biodiversity Finance with Direct Financing from International Foundations to IPLCs(2024-04-28) Yang, Shangyi; Wang, Siming; Li, MuyangIndigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) are pivotal stewards of biodiversity-rich areas, yet they often face significant financial constraints that impede their conservation efforts. This study, conducted in collaboration with the Global Environmental Institute, investigates the funding practices of international philanthropic foundations to identify how these can be enhanced to support IPLCs more effectively. Through interviews with seven international foundations who made commitments to support IPLCs, two intermediary organizations, and one IPLC group, this study explores the challenges within current funding mechanisms aimed at supporting biodiversity conservation by IPLCs. Our findings illuminate a complex funding landscape where long-term, unrestricted financial support is recognized as crucial yet hindered by several barriers. These include inadequate capacity within IPLC groups, misaligned priorities between donors and IPLCs, persistent language obstacles, trust issues, and hard to satisfy financial reporting demands. We also find that some organizations are already pursuing innovative practices that have the potential to overcome these barriers and serve as reference for other donors. Our analysis suggests that international foundations should focus on providing long-term, unrestricted funding directly to IPLC organizations while investing more in building their capacity to manage funds and projects, as well as to enhance their decision-making roles. Moreover, they should adopt policies that promote the use of indigenous local languages in their programs to enhance understanding, participation, and effectiveness. Foundations and other donor organizations who want to support IPLCs should also reform their governance structures to enable greater IPLC representation, and set explicit targets for reducing the number of intermediaries while also increasing direct funding to them. It is highly recommended that foundations ought to clearly define and plan to increase direct funding allocations to grassroots communities and local organizations in future funding cycles. They should also reevaluate their risk perceptions related to biodiversity conservation, prioritizing investment over avoidance, and maintain transparency and collaborative practices to strengthen local organizational capacities in alignment with IPLC priorities. Despite ongoing challenges, there is an increasing acknowledgment of the necessity for inclusive strategies and partnerships that align conservation efforts with the unique needs and priorities of IPLCs. This study serves as a reference for optimizing fund distribution to those who are integral to safeguarding global biodiversity.Item Open Access Evaluation of the Pricing of Pollutant Emissions Allowance in Zhejiang Province, China(2024-04-26) Chen, Yang; Jin, Xinwei; Zhou, ZiliOver the past few decades, the pollutant emissions trading policies in China have undergone significant innovation and exploration. It is considered a market-based approach integrated with command-and-control mechanisms such as total emissions control or pollutant emissions allowance. This study is the first to provide systematic, reflective thinking that examines China's regional initiatives of pollutant emissions trading systems. In this article, we took research on the representative province, Zhejiang, as our case study to analyze the impact of the pricing of pollutant emissions allowance on enterprises’ trading behavior, in which the pollutant objects are mainly selected to focus on chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOX). This paper used a quantitative approach by drawing the error lines of allowance auction and transfers among ten cities in Zhejiang Province from 2020 to 2022; then, we provided policy recommendations by exploring the positive and efficient relationship between emissions trading policies and the price of pollutant emissions allowances.Item Open Access A Simplified Urban Waterlogging Risk Assessment Framework: A Case Study of Nanning City(2024-04-26) Shan, ShiyaoUrban waterlogging poses an increasing challenge due to global climate change and rapid urbanization. Applicable urban waterlogging risk assessment models are essential to improve community-wide participatory waterlogging mitigation and adaptation strategies. This study introduces a simplified Urban Waterlogging Risk Assessment Framework(U-WRAF) designed to overcome the high technical thresholds and heavy data demands common in existing urban waterlogging risk assessment studies. Using the city of Nanning as a case study, the study analyzes the urban waterlogging risk and estimates the direct economic value impacted by urban waterlogging in Nanning in 2022 by integrating Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and Geographic Information System (GIS) with publicly available geographic, hydrological, and socio-economic data. The results show that the direct economic loss value of urban waterlogging in Nanning in 2022 amount to RMB 780 million, equivalent to 0.15% of the city’s annual gross domestic product (GDP). These findings highlight the urgent need to strengthen effective urban waterlogging management in Nanning. The main contributions of this study are to offer an accessible, low-cost assessment method for engaging a wide range of stakeholders in the improvement of urban waterlogging risk prevention strategies and to provide valuable preliminary analyses and suggestions for the improvement of urban waterlogging management systems.Item Open Access Global Trends and Drivers of the Invention of Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage Technology(2024-04-26) Wang, YiningThe role of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technology in achieving global and national climate targets hinges on a timely deployment of the technology in the most demanding sectors and regions. Innovation serves to drive down the cost of different technologies and improve the technological maturity for a successful deployment. Despite the current disparity between the demanding sectors and regions of the technology and their abatement cost, there is limited knowledge in the global trend and drivers of the innovation of CCUS technology across different application sectors. By refining global CCUS patent data into 6 technological categories and 11 application sectors using machine learning algorithm (random forest classification model), this paper aims to 1) Quantitively investigate a 30-year evolution of the invention and diffusion landscape of CCUS technologies, and 2) Employ a difference-in-difference model to examine the effect of carbon pricing on CCUS invention. We find a closing gap in the sectoral and regional disparity of CCUS technologies, characterized by a shift towards sector-specific technologies and a growth of invention in emerging markets. Global cooperation of CCUS innovation is highly concentrated within the leading countries, especially for nascent technologies. The sectoral and regional disparity is mainly bridged through diffusion from experienced and leading innovation countries to large emitters with high path dependency on fossil fuel. There exists a positive and significant effect of carbon pricing and path dependence on fossil fuel on CCUS invention, particularly for sectors that take CCUS as an abatement technology. However, the iron and steel sector remain far from demand-pull incentives, and may require further efforts in public R&D and financial incentives to direct resources towards technological innovation.Item Open Access Temperature Consideration in the Shallow Lake Model and Its Policy Implications for Eutrophication Governance(2024-04-26) Zhao, YangEutrophication is a significant environmental issue affecting shallow lakes and is closely related to human activities. The shallow lake model serves as an environmental economic model for studying this problem. In this study, we first reviewed the scientific rationale of this economic model, subsequently, analyzed the original shallow lake model proposed by Mäler et al., discussing market failure issues in static optimization based on previous research. We then introduced the factor of temperature to enable the model to consider the effects of seasonal temperature changes and long-term climate warming on eutrophication processes. We conducted an analysis of the shallow lake model incorporating temperature. Analysis of the state equation indicated that temperature variation significantly influences the internal phosphorus release in the water body, with increased temperature leading to the transition of the shallow lake to hysteresis or irreversible states. Analysis of the static optimization problem of shallow lake utility revealed that temperature increase makes it more likely for utility maximization to occur in states with high phosphorus content. Additionally, we explored the existence of emission control strategies under temperature variation scenarios. Finally, based on our study of this environmental economic model, practical policy implications were provided.Item Open Access A HIPPIE CLIMATE, A RIGID SYSTEM. CLIMATE ADAPTATION TO RIVERINE FLOODS AND WATERLOGGING AT THE LOCAL LEVEL IN COLOMBIA(2024-04-26) Diaz Ramos , Jose LuisClimate change intensifies extreme events, posing risks to ecosystems and human populations. In the near-term in a 1.5°C global warming scenario, more intense and frequent extreme rainfalls are expected, which is associated with flooding. Colombia is a highly vulnerable country to extreme weather, particularly flood risks. While the country has made progress identifying its climate vulnerabilities, and adopting policies to address them, the implementation of actions at the local level requires further assessment. This Master Project seeks to understand if actions and institutional arrangements for flood risk adaptation at the local level in Colombia are commensurate with the challenges of climate change. To answer this question, Chía, one of the most densely populated municipalities in the country that has suffered from flood impacts in the past, is used as a case study. Review of current literature and regulations, interviews to key stakeholders, and petitions to obtain information on government actions were used for the analysis, as well as estimations using geographic information systems. From the analysis, it was found that current frameworks and literature analyzing flood risks focus on riverine floods and neglect other sources of floods, such as waterlogging, despite them being a significant hazard especially under climate change. Therefore, this brief presents a framework for local governments to analyze their current actions (if any) related to flood and waterlogging management, in order to identify gaps and overlaps that need to be addressed. The framework has ten components, including the following: area and climate change context, stakeholder analysis, regulatory analysis, current actions description and analysis, gaps description, problem definition, design of the alternatives, prioritization of alternatives, and monitoring and assessment actions. Applying this framework to the case study, it was found that the municipality of Chía has reduced its flood risk as during the last decade dikes have been built along the river; however, it is estimated that 1,866 (0.9%) people in 2022 were living in areas of high flood risk. In addition, more than 80% of the population has a medium threat of riverine floods, which is concerning as even though total yearly precipitation is not expected to change considerably, precipitation is expected to increase in short periods of time (1 and 5 days), representing a threat to a municipality that has been highly urbanized. The analysis of the actions deployed to tackle these risks reveals that they are fragmented both between the regional and local level, and within the local administration. Flood and waterlogging risks management face different challenges due to lack of information (outdated and limited public access to data), policy (lack of integrated plan with low consideration of climate change), administrative coordination (lack of clear responsibilities lead to overreliance on actors and actions), accountability (fragmented environmental management structure) and capacity (lack of specific expertise). Flood and waterlogging actions need to be built upon existing initiatives. For flood management the most critical action is to guarantee the long-term quality of the dikes that were built by improving, among others, a better joint work between regional and local levels, as well as with the community. For waterlogging risks, it requires a better involvement of the local Environment Secretary to incorporate climate adaptation actions, fostering transversality and avoiding duplication. Infrastructure investments should focus on improving sustainable drainage systems, permeable surfaces and green spaces due to the complexity of increasing drainage systems. Even though this policy brief considers a specific case study, it helps to identify barriers that municipal governments in Colombia are having to tackle climate change effects of floods and waterlogging.