Recently, the fourth edition of the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) was graced by the Prime Minister through a video message. This yearly conference falls under the umbrella of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and is conducted in collaboration with member countries, organizations, and institutions. The motive? To fortify the global discussion revolving around disaster and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Exploring the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
The CDRI is a diverse partnership between national governments, United Nations (UN) agencies and programs, multilateral development banks, financial mechanisms, private sectors, and knowledge institutions. Launched by the Indian Prime Minister at the UN Climate Action Summit on 23rd September 2019, CDRI targets the enhancement of resilience of new and existing infrastructure systems against climate and disaster risks, thereby supporting sustainable development. With 30 countries and 8 organizations as its members, CDRI operates in areas like Governance and Policy, Risk Identification and Estimation, Standards and Certification, Capacity building, Innovation & Emerging Technology, Recovery, and Reconstruction, Finance, and Community-based approaches. The headquarters for CDRI’s operations is New Delhi, India.
Differentiating between Climate Resilient Infrastructure and Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (DRI), aside from addressing climate threats, also considers geophysical and geomorphological hazards like earthquakes, landslides, tsunami, and volcanic activity. It covers technological hazards, including nuclear radiation, dam failures, chemical spills, and explosions not directly linked to climate changes. On the other hand, Climate Resilient Infrastructure (CRI) mainly focuses on weather-related disasters. While CRI efforts might also encompass reducing carbon footprints, DRI does not address these aspects specifically.
The Relevance and Need for CDRI
The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) underscores the significance of improved disaster resilience of infrastructure for sustainable development. To reduce global disaster mortality, the number of affected people, direct economic loss, and damage to critical infrastructure, SFDRR has set forth specific targets. Because over 90% of disasters are weather and climate-related extreme events, it is vital to ensure that all future infrastructures are resilient to disasters to secure our investments.
Adressing Challenges Faced by Island States
Island states face a unique set of challenges due to climate change, and these challenges are at the core of the CDRI initiative. The ‘Infrastructure for Resilient Island States’ was launched at COP-26. This initiative, launched by India, focuses on building capacity and implementing pilot projects, primarily in small island developing states. ISRO, India’s space agency, is developing a special data window to provide timely information about cyclones and monitor coral reefs and coastlines via satellite.
Significance of CDRI for India
CDRI presents an opportunity for India to emerge as a global leader in climate action and disaster resilience, beyond just soft power enhancement. It aligns with the synergy between disaster risk reduction, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Climate Accord which allow for sustainable and inclusive growth. CDRI also complements entities like the International Solar Alliance (ISA). India, in turn, can facilitate resilient infrastructure support in Africa, Asia, and other regions, providing access to knowledge, technology and capacity development for infra developers, and creating opportunities for Indian infrastructure and technology firms to expand their services abroad.
This showcased the vision and efforts of global bodies such as the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, aiming to maintain the sustainability of our planet in the face of increasing climate instability.
