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Climate Risk Atlas with Integrated Flood Mapping and Vulnerability Data

Solution Overview

Mexico City's Climate Action Programme includes the development of a climate risk atlas that integrates comprehensive flood mapping and hazard data from the CDMX Risk and Hazard Atlas.[2] This approach was designated as action A18 in the PACCM 2014-2020 and serves as a key tool for land use planning and the design of adaptation measures across the city.[2] The atlas identifies areas and populations most vulnerable to climate change impacts while providing elements for disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, and response.[2][3]

Technical Components

The Risk Atlas of Mexico City (RA-GIS) incorporates a comprehensive set of indicators related to hazard, exposure, and social vulnerability.[4] The system integrates information on floods, ponding, and quadrant mapping from the CDMX Risk and Hazard Atlas.[2] Flooding events were estimated for return periods of 2, 5, 10, 50, and 100 years, with most flooding concentrated in the central and northern sectors of the city.[3] The atlas identifies prevalent social risk to multiple hazards including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, landslides, forest fires, and land subsidence.[3] A total of 274 shape-file maps were generated in this project.[3]

Implementation Details

The climate risk atlas was developed under the responsibility of SPC (Secretariat of Civil Protection) and SEDEMA (Secretariat of the Environment).[2] Two municipalities in Mexico City—Venustiano Carranza and Azcapotzalco—used the manual to develop their climate risk assessment, with their diagnoses identifying flooding as the main risk.[4] The assessment included an analysis of social vulnerability and pinpointed priority areas for attention.[4] The atlas was designed to provide a tool to local and federal authorities and all organizations responsible for disaster prevention and mitigation.[3] Mexico City initiated the Second Climate Action Program (PACCM) in 2014, continuing actions to increase resilience and combat climate change with a planning tool that integrates, coordinates, and promotes methods to reduce environmental, social, and economic risks posed by climate change.[7]

Benefits and Impacts

The indicator for monitoring action A18 is the level of use of the atlas in planning processes.[2] The atlas acts as a management tool to support implementation of the Climate Action Programme.[4] Mexico City planned to assess the impacts of flooding on STCM and Metrobus systems and create a portfolio of adjustment measures during 2016-2018, with support from partners including RMS, CTS Embarq, ITDP, and Veolia.[6] This approach improves knowledge of the potential physical and social impact of local hazards.[3]

Climate Adaptation Relevance

The climate risk atlas directly addresses flooding hazards by mapping inundation events across multiple return periods and identifying vulnerable populations and infrastructure.[2][3] The system supports Pillar 03 of the CDMX Resilience Strategy, which aims to ensure all citizens have equal access to urban amenities while improving the environment and mitigating risks through sustainable management of natural resources.[1]

Business Analysis

The atlas serves as a foundational planning tool that enables municipalities to conduct localized climate risk assessments and prioritize adaptation investments.[4] The system supports infrastructure planning decisions, including the Calle Verde initiative launched in 2016 to improve drainage, add green spaces, and cultivate a safer streetscape while better preparing the city for climate change effects.[5] The program repairs drainage pipes under key corridors and repaves streets and sidewalks with permeable pavement to prevent flooding during extreme weather events.[5] By preventing flooding, the improved drainage network and green infrastructure hinder the spread of waterborne diseases, providing additional health benefits.[5]

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