The Coalition of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), in partnership with the G20 countries, advocates for building and strengthening infrastructure to withstand the impacts of extreme natural events—particularly in vulnerable nations.
The CDRI highlights that the effects of climate change on infrastructure are not evenly distributed. Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) experience disproportionate losses due to their limited adaptive capacity and resources.
Reducing these inequalities—such as limited access to essential services like clean water, sanitation, transportation, and electricity—can also lower vulnerability levels. Investing in resilient infrastructure is vital to ensure that these basic services remain reliable and accessible, especially during disasters.
Global economic and environmental losses
CDRI’s A Compendium of Good Practices on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (DRI) reports that, accounting for climate change, the average annual loss (AAL) from infrastructure damage is estimated between US$732 billion and US$845 billion, roughly 14% of global GDP growth in 2021–2022.
Worldwide, 30% of annual losses stem from geological hazards like earthquakes, tsunamis, and earthquake-induced landslides. The remaining 70% result from climate-related hazards such as cyclonic winds, storm surges, floods, and rainfall-induced landslides. Critical sectors—including roads and railways, telecommunications, and power—make up 80% of total infrastructure-related losses.
Global case studies and themes of resilience
The report showcases 52 case studies from various countries, offering practical lessons for policymakers, engineers, and urban planners. Highlights include India’s early warning systems, Nepal’s earthquake-resilient schools, Australia’s Betterment Fund, and Brazil’s sustainable water infrastructure projects.
The document also emphasizes inclusive, community-centered approaches, innovative financing mechanisms such as parametric insurance, and the integration of resilience into national policies and building codes.
These examples are categorized into seven key themes, which capture the multiple dimensions of infrastructure resilience:
- Building Infrastructure Resilience through Sector-Specific Interventions – Focuses on strengthening resilience within specific infrastructure sectors, emphasizing research, early warning systems, and capacity building.
- Embedding Resilience through Post-Disaster Reconstruction – Highlights how rebuilding after disasters using improved designs and updated building codes creates long-term resilience.
- Financing for Infrastructure Resilience – Explores funding mechanisms such as public-private partnerships and insurance tools that can scale up investments in resilience.
- Nature-Based Infrastructure Solutions (NBIS) – Showcases the use of natural systems like wetlands, forests, and green spaces that offer cost-effective protection while supporting biodiversity and community engagement.
- Risk Assessments and Stress Testing – Demonstrates how assessing potential hazards enables proactive planning and infrastructure adaptation.
- Strengthening Institutional Governance – Underscores the importance of governance, updated guidelines, and compliance in building resilient systems.
- Infrastructure for Social and Economic Resilience – Advocates for integrating equity and social inclusion into infrastructure design, empowering communities and vulnerable populations.
A practical guide for global resilience
The compendium serves as a practical guide for governments and stakeholders worldwide to design disaster-resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding future shocks.
Through shared knowledge and collaboration, CDRI aims to help vulnerable countries plan and invest in sustainable, resilient systems that safeguard lives, livelihoods, and economic stability.
Download and read the full report: A Compendium of Good Practices on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (DRI).
Sources:
A Compendium of Good Practices on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (DRI). (2024). CDRI. Retrieved from https://cdri.world/a-compendium-of-good-practices-on-disaster-resilient-infrastructure-dri/
A Compendium of Good Practices on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (DRI). (2024, November 29). Relief web. Retrieved from https://reliefweb.int/report/world/compendium-good-practices-disaster-resilient-infrastructure-dri
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