In recent years, climate change has created new challenges for many cities around the world. One of these is the South American metropolis of Buenos Aires, where dated infrastructure has been hit hard by major outbreaks of flooding and cloud bursts on several occasions.

Therefore, the city council in the Argentinian capital has started to explore the possibilities of implementing new blue-green infrastructure solutions focusing on climate change adaptation. The inspiration has been found by looking to the other side of the world, more precisely Copenhagen.

Copenhagen as a blue-green focal point

The City Council of Buenos Aires is looking towards Copenhagen, its harbour baths, and blue-green infrastructure, which is considered a global source of inspiration.

Together with representatives from the City of Copenhagen, Buenos Aires has prepared a climate adaption plan, which for example will cover better wastewater management seeking to improve the water quality in the city’s rivers. In the future, the goal is to make the water areas surrounding the city recreational, making it possible to swim and bathe from the coastline of Buenos Aires. As is the case in the clean harbour baths around Copenhagen.

According to the plan, the results of the partnership between the two capitals are to be presented at this year’s C40 Summit, where mayors and business leaders from across the globe meet to discuss sustainable city solutions. This year, Buenos Aires is the host.

Danish solutions provide environmental and practical purposes

Besides the two city councils, the Danish-Argentinian collaboration has been assisted by The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while Danish companies such as HOFOR have been involved in implementing water solutions in the city.

In concrete terms, this has initially resulted in a project in Saavedra Park in the northern part of Buenos Aires, optimising the absorption and management of large amounts of rainwater from cloudbursts. Today, the park can store around 50.000 m3 of rainwater. Additionally, plans have been made to expose some of the river flowing in underground pipes below the park, which will instead create a recreational water area for the public.

With Buenos Aires’ rapid growth in inhabited areas, alongside its geographical location on the pampas, making it highly exposed to flooding and cloudbursts, the Danish partnership provides both much-needed green areas in the city, as well as preparing the Argentinian capital for future climate change.