Author: Catarina Valente ( INNOV-ACTS)

As the impacts of climate change become increasingly evident, the need for robust critical infrastructure resilience has never been more pressing. From extreme weather events to rising sea levels, the threats posed by climate change are not just environmental; they are economic, social, and political. Investing in the resilience of critical infrastructure is not merely a precautionary measure; it is an essential strategy for safeguarding our communities, economies, and future generations. 

Critical infrastructure refers to the systems and assets that are vital for the functioning of a society and economy. This includes transportation networks, energy grids, water supply systems, healthcare facilities, and communication networks. These infrastructures are interconnected and interdependent, meaning that a failure in one area can have cascading effects on others. For instance, a severe storm can disrupt power supply, which in turn affects water treatment facilities and emergency services. As climate change intensifies, the vulnerabilities of these systems are laid bare. Natural disasters are becoming more frequent and severe, and infrastructure that was once deemed adequate is now at risk of failure. The consequences of such failures can be catastrophic, leading to loss of life, economic downturns, and long-term societal disruptions. 

Investing in critical infrastructure resilience is not just an environmental or social issue; it is an economic imperative. The costs associated with climate-related disasters in Europe are staggering. According to the European Environment Agency, "between 1980 and 2022, weather- and climate-related extremes caused economic losses of assets estimated at EUR 650 billion in the EU Member States, of which EUR 59.4 billion in 2021 and EUR 52.3 billion in 2022”, and it is estimated that for Europe 3% of these events were responsible for around 60% of losses over the same period¹. 

 The economic toll of these events is expected to rise as climate change progresses. A study by the European Commission highlighted that “investing in disaster resilience in Europe makes economic sense and can deliver multiple benefits to society. For example, heatwave early warnings have been found to provide significant benefits; on average every euro invested returns €131 of benefits with the potential return as high as €246.9”.² This remarkable return on investment underscores the financial wisdom of prioritizing resilience. 

Furthermore, the economic benefits extend beyond mere cost savings. Resilient infrastructure can enhance property values, attract businesses, and create jobs in the construction and engineering sectors. For instance, the European Investment Bank has estimated that investing €1 trillion in infrastructure improvements across Europe could generate up to 1.5 million jobs and add €2 trillion to the economy³. The return on investment for resilience measures can be substantial, often yielding multiple euros in savings for every euro spent. 

Beyond the economic rationale, investing in infrastructure resilience has profound social benefits. Communities that are better prepared for climate impacts are more likely to recover quickly and effectively from disasters. This resilience fosters a sense of security among residents, which is crucial for community cohesion and well-being. For example, after the devastating floods in Germany in 2021, regions that had invested in resilient infrastructure, such as improved drainage systems and flood barriers, experienced less damage and recovered more swiftly than those that had not. And overall, “fewer people are dying as a result of natural hazards as countries have been devising more robust systems of early warning and responsive protection.”⁴ 

Moreover, resilient infrastructure can help address social inequalities. Vulnerable populations, including low-income communities and marginalized groups, often bear the brunt of climate impacts. By prioritizing resilience in these areas, we can ensure that all community members have access to essential services and support during crises. This not only enhances equity but also strengthens the overall fabric of society. The Climate Resiliency Report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Allstate, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation shows that “each $1 of investment in resilience and disaster preparedness reduces a community’s economic costs after an event by $7.”⁵ 

To effectively invest in critical infrastructure resilience, a comprehensive approach is necessary. This includes conducting thorough assessments to identify vulnerabilities in existing infrastructure, incorporating nature-based solutions to enhance resilience, retrofitting and upgrading aging infrastructure, involving local communities in resilience planning, and leveraging the expertise and resources of the private sector. Each of these strategies contributes to a framework that not only addresses current vulnerabilities but also anticipates future challenges. 

As we navigate the uncertain waters of climate change, investing in critical infrastructure resilience is not just a choice; it is a necessity. The economic, social, and environmental stakes are too high to ignore. By prioritizing resilience, we can protect our communities, bolster our economies, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. The time to act is now. Let us invest wisely in infrastructure resilience.   

As climate change increasingly threatens critical infrastructure, the need for innovative solutions to enhance resilience has never been more urgent. The EU-CIP project, through its Knowledge Hub, plays an important role in addressing these challenges by providing a centralized platform for resources, tools, and expert collaboration. This hub enables stakeholders to access cutting-edge solutions and share knowledge across sectors, ensuring that best practices from one field can inform resilience strategies in another.In the Knowledge Hub stakeholders can find the latest solutions, tools, and technologies, alongside a space for learning and collaborating with the best European experts in the area. The Knowledge Hub encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing, through information centralization, intersectoral dialogue, increased stakeholder involvement, and support for policy formulation and innovation. Furthermore, the Knowledge Hub also provides a space for discussions about CIP/CIR topics where stakeholders can share ideas and knowledge with the community.  The Hub offers a forum where ideas and best practices from one sector may influence plans in another, given the range of industries involved in critical infrastructure, such as energy, transportation, healthcare, and digital services. Considering the economic, social, and environmental imperatives outlined above, the EU-CIP Knowledge Hub's approach is not just timely but essential. By fostering intersectoral dialogue and bringing together leading European experts, the hub supports the development of more robust CIP/CIR strategies. It allows communities and industries to engage in collaborative efforts that address both current vulnerabilities and anticipate future challenges posed by climate change. 

Through leveraging the resources and expertise within the Knowledge Hub, stakeholders can work together and enhance their ability to protect essential infrastructure and prepare society for future disruptions, ensuring a more secure and resilient Europe. 

1. ¹ "European Environment Agency (EEA). (2023, September 19). Economic losses from weather- and climate-related extremes in Europe. [Website]. Retrieved September 24, 2024, from  
2.  European Commission. (2020). EDPP2_C1 Smart Investments report_web.pdf [PDF]. Retrieved from https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/document/download/d6bd2d28-fb18-4778-8ffa-9ef73a92af97_en?filename=EDPP2_C1%20Smart%20Investments%20report_web.pdf
3.  European Investment Bank. (n.d.). €1 trillion for <1.5°C: Climate and environmental ambitions of the European Investment Bank Group. [PDF]. Retrieved from https://www.eib.org/attachments/thematic/eib_group_climate_and_environmental_ambitions_en.pdf
4. United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). (2021). Asia-Pacific Disaster Report 2021. [Website]. Retrieved September 24, 2024, from https://sdghelpdesk.unescap.org/e-library/asia-pacific-disaster-report-2021-0
5. ⁵ U.S. Chamber of Commerce. (2024). AllState-2024 Climate Resiliency Report [PDF]. Retrieved from