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Infrastructure forms the backbone of economies and societies, playing a pivotal role in addressing the growing threat of climate change. With approximately 75 percent of the world’s infrastructure yet to be built by 2050, the decisions made about what is constructed and how it is constructed will determine the future of a sustainable and inclusive global society. The need for innovative, modern, and resilient infrastructure extends beyond new development—it also involves upgrading existing systems to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Problems with Current Infrastructure
The world faces a dual challenge: rapid development coupled with an urgent need for environmental sustainability. Unsustainable practices have led to environmental degradation, increased carbon emissions, and the depletion of natural resources, jeopardising the well-being of future generations. Infrastructure development is a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, driving global warming and climate change.
Operational emissions, combined with embodied emissions from material usage in infrastructure, account for nearly 80 percent of global GHG emissions. According to UN data, 70 percent of these emissions stem from urban areas, which are often poorly designed.
Additionally, infrastructure assets are highly vulnerable to natural disasters. Between the 1970s and 2010s, economic losses from such disasters increased sevenfold, rising from an average of USD 198 billion to USD 1.6 trillion. These figures underscore the critical need for resilient and sustainable infrastructure to mitigate future risks.
Why Infrastructure is Vital for Sustainable Development
Building resilient infrastructure is a cornerstone of SDG 9, which is interconnected with other goals, including:
SDG 6: Access to water and sanitation.
SDG 4: Quality education.
SDG 7: Access to energy.
SDG 3: Good health and well-being.
Sustainably designed structures minimise environmental impact, enhance resource efficiency, and ensure resilience. Such infrastructure supports economic growth by fostering connectivity and trade, reducing operational costs, and lowering ecological footprints. As urban areas expand, sustainable projects also create jobs and attract investments, further fueling economic development.
Guided by the New Urban Agenda (NUA), adopted at the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development in 2016, urban planning aims to make cities inclusive, resilient, and environmentally sustainable.
Challenges in Achieving Sustainable Infrastructure
While the importance of sustainable infrastructure is widely acknowledged, the journey toward achieving it is fraught with challenges, primarily financial. Significant investment is required to upgrade existing systems or construct new, SDG-aligned projects.
The OECD, World Bank, and UN Environment estimate that an annual investment of USD 6.9 trillion is needed to create a low-carbon, climate-resilient future by 2030. However, much of the current funding continues to support conventional infrastructure, risking greenwashing.
To overcome these hurdles, nations must act at both national and regional levels. Forging international partnerships and unlocking private investments will be crucial to accelerating progress and meeting long-term goals.
A Collaborative Path Forward
Sustainable infrastructure is the linchpin of progress, fostering inclusive societies and advancing the SDGs. As noted in the Indian Economic Survey 2021-2022, the quality and extent of infrastructure determine a nation’s ability to enhance cost competitiveness and leverage its comparative advantage.
India’s aspiration to become a developed nation by 2047 hinges significantly on infrastructure development. Achieving this vision will require collective efforts from all stakeholders to support government initiatives and drive sustainable progress.
By prioritising resilient and sustainable infrastructure, we can create a future that balances development with environmental consciousness—a future that benefits both people and the planet.
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