Development of Areas by the Vistula River in Warsaw in the Context of Flood Issues as an Example of Adaptation to Climate Change

Abstract In Warsaw, measures are taken to safeguard the city against dangerous, extreme natural phenomena. These measures include mitigating the urban heat island phenomenon, protecting against storms, floods, and preventing the low water level in the Vistula river (the ADAPTCITY project). The following article concerns the development of the Vistula areas in Warsaw in relation to the risk of flooding. The article discusses the first comprehensive concepts for the development of areas on the Vistula in Warsaw, which have been in progress since the second half of the 19th century. The article presents flood prevention measures in the area of Warsaw. An example Warsaw district located on the banks of the Vistula, namely Białołęka, was characterized, as the area is at risk of flooding. The case study covered new housing estates being developed in the flood plain area of Białołęka.