Exploring the Relationship between Urbanization, Floods and Green Infrastructures: A Study in The Nado Stream Watershed, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

Urban floods are significant hydrological phenomena that impact both physical and social systems. This study explores the relationship between land use and cover dynamics and flood occurrences within Nado stream watershed (Belo Horizonte, Brazil), aiming to identify potential areas for green infrastructure implementation. The research uses geospatial analysis techniques, including remote sensing and GIS tools, to examine how urbanization and landscape changes influence flood vulnerability and risk. The methodology includes analyzing land cover changes over time, urbanization trends, flood susceptibility mapping, environmental health indices, and social vulnerability assessments. By integrating these datasets, the study identifies priority areas for green infrastructure, such as rain gardens and linear parks, as effective flood mitigation strategies. It highlights the importance of nature-based solutions and sustainable drainage systems in enhancing urban resilience. The results reveal evolving land use patterns, the concentration of urbanization around water bodies, and the negative impact of vegetation loss on flood risk. The analysis identifies high-susceptibility areas, particularly in heavily urbanized zones, and underscores the intersections between urbanization trends, flood risk, and social vulnerability. The study emphasizes the need for strategic interventions to bolster urban resilience, providing valuable insights for flood management and green infrastructure planning decision-making. It underscores the urgency of implementing nature-based solutions to address increasing flood risks amid urban expansion and climate change.