Flooding in Dubai last week has highlighted a pressing problem that the modern world is yet to address - inadequate drainage systems in urban areas in the face of climate change. The city's recent inundation serves as a wake-up call for major global cities grappling with increasing extreme weather events.

Dubai, along with other cities built on previously uninhabitable areas, reflects outdated urban development practices that impede natural water absorption systems. The rapid expansion of urban environments and the accompanying surge in population exacerbate the issue. As a result, when heavy rainfalls occur, these cities lack sufficient outlets for excess water.

Last Tuesday, the United Arab Emirates experienced over 10 inches of rainfall in some areas, with Dubai receiving approximately half of that amount - equivalent to the country's average annual rainfall. This incessant rain, which has become more frequent in recent years, is predicted to intensify, causing further challenges for major global cities like Dubai.

Experts have refuted claims linking the rainfall to cloud seeding experiments conducted by the UAE. However, it is clear that Dubai's transformation from a sandy landscape to a concrete jungle has hindered the soil's natural ability to absorb water. Last week's precipitation surpassed any previous rainfall recorded in the country since 1949.

Architect Ana Arsky, CEO of environmental startup 4 Habitos Para Mudar o Mundo, emphasized that the paving of urban areas blocks natural drainage paths. She explained that Dubai's original water absorption systems and aquifers have been disrupted, leading to a lack of effective drainage when faced with heavy rain.

Furthermore, the rise in population growth worldwide, driven by urbanization trends, has resulted in an increase in waste disposal. Improper waste management leads to clogged drains and dampened natural drainage systems due to the accumulation of non-permeable materials, such as plastics, in landfills.

Even older cities with established drainage systems, like New York City, are grappling with similar challenges. Last fall, heavy rainfall caused severe flooding, highlighting the failure of manmade drains to cope with excessive water levels. The outdated infrastructure and lack of adaptation to climate change exacerbate these issues.

To address these concerns, companies like Greenmetrics.AI and Vapar are employing innovative solutions. Greenmetrics.AI uses sensor technology to monitor vulnerable areas prone to flooding and provides data analytics to predict rainfall impact. This enables authorities to clear drains and debris before flooding occurs, or if necessary, evacuate residents and suspend activities to minimize casualties.

Vapar, on the other hand, develops robots to inspect sewer drains and pipes, alerting authorities to potential issues before major storms strike. These advancements in flood management aim to enhance resilience in the face of climate change.

The recent flooding incidents across the world indicate a clear message - climate change knows no boundaries. It is imperative for cities to adopt adaptation strategies and invest in resilient technologies to mitigate the adverse effects of extreme weather events. The need for improved drainage systems is critical, highlighting the necessity for sustainable urban planning and development.

As the frequency of flooding events escalates, it is evident that immediate action must be taken to safeguard our cities and communities from the unpredictable impacts of climate change.