The Climate Resilient Infrastructure Report series was first launched in May 2023 in an effort to report progress on the state of climate-resilient infrastructure and showcase best-practice case studies and initiatives from around the world. The series contributes directly to the UNFCCC Race to Resilience campaign, which seeks to catalyse action by nonstate actors to build the resilience of 4 billion people from vulnerable groups and communities to climate risks by 2030.
We are excited to share the third issue of the Climate Resilient Infrastructure (CRI) report, sponsored by KPMG. Issue 1, launched in May 2023, had a focus on implementation and featured case studies from across the globe. Issue 2 was launched at COP28 and took a closer look at the relationship between infrastructure and nature. You can read more about the series here.
Launched today at COP29, Issue 3, A Focus on Technology, showcases platforms, tools and emerging digital technologies that advance climate-resilient infrastructure, as well as projects and initiatives that have incorporated them. The report explores how digital technologies can enhance decision-making for climate resilience and adaptation using the resilience phases prepare/respond/recover/adapt as framing. For example, by modelling physical climate risks and impacts, providing an assessment of the condition of existing infrastructure, or supporting efficient and reliable decision-making, before, during and after hazard events.
With over 50 contributions, the report highlights case studies that elevate the agenda for resilience and adaptation across all infrastructure sectors and showcase best-practice examples of technology applications that build resilience and sustainability. It features platforms, approaches, resources and capacity-building initiatives that can empower practitioners and local communities to embrace and harness technology to advance climate-resilient infrastructure. We shine a light on collaborative initiatives that champion diversity in problem-solving, leading to holistic, transferable and people-centred solutions, in addition to spotlighting a number of SMEs that are leading the way in developing tech solutions for climate action. Through this myriad of contributions, the work highlighted in this report has contributed to building the resilience of over 119 million people worldwide.
Digital technology’s role in infrastructure resilience is transformative. By providing tools for early detection, immediate response, efficient recovery, and long-term adaptation, these technologies foster infrastructure systems that are safer, more sustainable, and better equipped to withstand climate change. They also directly support global climate agendas, including the SDGs and the Sharm el-Sheikh Adaptation Agenda (SAA).
Through each resilience phase, digital technologies fulfil key global climate objectives, fostering resilience, mitigating climate risks, and supporting sustainable development. This alignment not only strengthens infrastructure but ensures communities can adapt to climate challenges with agility, creating a foundation for resilient, inclusive development in line with global adaptation goals.
In his Foreword, Kristofer Canto at KPMG-US wrote:
‘KPMG is proud to partner with The International Coalition for Sustainable Infrastructure (ICSI) to explore how data and technology solutions can untangle a complex web of climate uncertainty, ensuring greater confidence in the actions we make today, to build a more resilient future tomorrow.’
Nigar Arpadarai, UN Climate Change High Level Champion for COP29 says:
‘The report highlights best-practices and case studies of technology applications that foster both resilience and innovation across all infrastructure sectors. Central to this necessary transformation is the unique role of SMEs, which act as a driving force behind innovation, technological advancement, job creation, and climate leadership.‘
Contributors to the report include Arcadis, Arup, Bentley Systems, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, Miyamoto International, Northeastern University, Ordnance Survey, UNOSAT, the WEF Global Collaboration Village, WMO and many more.
‘This report highlights solutions that serve as a blueprint for what is possible when the engineering community collectively problem-solves to create infrastructure that is more resilient, sustainable and inclusive. These examples should serve as inspiration for engineers, scientists, policymakers and communities alike,’ says Savina Carluccio, Executive Director at ICSI.
‘While we should be cautious not to rely too heavily on technological advancements to combat climate challenges, these digital solutions foster a culture of informed decision-making that supports global climate agendas. With sustained investment in these areas, we can reimagine a future where infrastructure is smart, responsive, adaptive, and equipped to protect communities and ecosystems despite escalating climate risks.’’
