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Global Infrastructure Resilience Report


Global Infrastructure Resilience Report


Source: Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)

Context:
The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) has released its Global Infrastructure Resilience Report, which evaluates the preparedness and resilience of global infrastructure in the face of disasters.


About the Global Infrastructure Resilience Report

The report aims to assess and provide actionable insights on the vulnerabilities of key infrastructure sectors to natural disasters and climate change. It offers practical recommendations for enhancing resilience across nations and sectors.


Key Findings and Summary from the CDRI Report

1. Global Infrastructure Risk Model and Resilience Index (GIRI)

  • The GIRI model provides financial risk metrics for major infrastructure sectors such as:
    • Transport
    • Energy
    • Telecommunications
    • Water
    • Health
  • These metrics help policymakers understand the risks and resilience of critical infrastructure.

2. Investment Gap

  • To address global infrastructure deficits and ensure climate change resilience, the report estimates that $9.2 trillion in annual investment is needed by 2050.

3. Climate Risks

  • Infrastructure across the globe is increasingly vulnerable to hazards like:
    • Earthquakes
    • Tsunamis
    • Cyclones
    • Floods
    • Droughts

4. Governance Challenges

  • Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) face weak infrastructure governance, which hampers their ability to implement resilience measures effectively.

Positive Outcomes from the Report

  1. Data-Driven Insights

    • The GIRI model offers the first publicly available global risk assessment of infrastructure resilience.
  2. Economic Case for Resilience

    • Investing in resilient infrastructure reduces asset loss, minimizes service disruptions, and promotes long-term economic growth.
  3. Nature-Based Solutions (NbIS)

    • Nature-Based Solutions are emphasized as sustainable and cost-effective measures to enhance resilience.
  4. Increased Awareness

    • Policymakers and investors are now equipped with critical data to make informed decisions on infrastructure investments.
  5. Global Collaboration

    • The report encourages cooperation among governments, financial institutions, and multilateral agencies to foster disaster-resilient infrastructure.

Challenges Identified

  1. Financial Constraints

    • LMICs lack the necessary funding to invest in disaster-resilient infrastructure.
  2. Slow Policy Implementation

    • Despite global guidelines, many governments fail to incorporate resilience measures into infrastructure planning.
  3. Lack of Data Standardization

    • Inconsistent metrics across countries make it difficult to assess and compare infrastructure risks.
  4. Private Sector Hesitancy

    • Private investors often perceive resilience measures as additional costs rather than opportunities for long-term benefits.
  5. Climate Adaptation Gap

    • Developing countries face significant challenges in transitioning to low-carbon and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Way Ahead: Recommendations from the CDRI Report

  1. Scaling Up Investments

    • Both public and private funding must increase to bridge the global infrastructure resilience gap.
  2. Improved Risk Governance

    • Countries should adopt data-driven policies for resilient infrastructure planning and management.
  3. Technology-Driven Solutions

    • Emerging technologies like AI, big data, and remote sensing can help in real-time risk assessments for critical infrastructure.
  4. Enhanced Private Sector Engagement

    • Governments must incentivize private businesses to invest in disaster-resilient infrastructure.
  5. Global Partnerships

    • Strengthening international cooperation can facilitate the sharing of best practices and technical expertise.

Conclusion

The Global Infrastructure Resilience Report emphasizes the urgent need to build resilient infrastructure to combat climate risks and disasters. By promoting global cooperation, leveraging advanced technologies, and increasing investments, nations can ensure a sustainable and disaster-resilient future for generations to come.


MCQs for UPSC CSE on Global Infrastructure Resilience Report

  1. Which of the following sectors are covered under the Global Infrastructure Risk Model and Resilience Index (GIRI)?

    • A. Transport and Energy
    • B. Health and Telecommunications
    • C. Water
    • D. All of the above
      Answer: D. All of the above
  2. According to the Global Infrastructure Resilience Report, how much annual investment is required by 2050 to address global infrastructure deficits?

    • A. $5 trillion
    • B. $7.5 trillion
    • C. $9.2 trillion
    • D. $12 trillion
      Answer: C. $9.2 trillion
  3. Which natural hazards are identified as major risks to infrastructure in the report?

    • A. Earthquakes and Tsunamis
    • B. Cyclones and Floods
    • C. Droughts
    • D. All of the above
      Answer: D. All of the above
  4. What is a major financial challenge for Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) as per the report?

    • A. Over-regulation of infrastructure projects
    • B. Lack of funding for resilient infrastructure
    • C. Excessive reliance on the private sector
    • D. Rapid policy implementation
      Answer: B. Lack of funding for resilient infrastructure
  5. Which of the following are recommended in the report to enhance resilience?

    • A. Technology-driven solutions
    • B. Scaling up investments
    • C. Nature-Based Solutions (NbIS)
    • D. All of the above
      Answer: D. All of the above

Mains Question for UPSC CSE

Discuss the importance of resilient infrastructure in the face of climate change and natural disasters. Highlight the key findings of the Global Infrastructure Resilience Report by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and suggest measures to bridge the resilience investment gap.

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