The US Government is advocating for a systems-oriented approach to infrastructure development in response to increasing climate change impacts. The ‘Resilience at Scale’ initiative, a joint effort by MCC and USAID, promotes constructing interconnected infrastructure networks to enhance resilience globally. This shift aims to support economic growth and climate adaptation, ultimately targeting over half a billion people by 2030 under the President’s Emergency Plan for Adaptation and Resilience (PREPARE).
Amidst increasing climate unpredictability, the United States Government (USG) is responding by redefining how it approaches infrastructure resilience on a global scale. Following record-breaking temperatures in 2023, climate change is intensifying disasters worldwide, with incidents like Cyclone Freddy causing severe devastation. The year also saw the US experience a historic number of climate-related disasters, resulting in extensive economic losses. In light of these challenges, USG stresses an urgent need to adopt a systems-oriented approach to infrastructure development, focusing not just on individual assets but on the interconnectedness of critical infrastructure systems. Published by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the report titled “Resilience at Scale” advocates for considering infrastructure networks holistically, aiming to construct more durable systems that support economic growth and environmental stability. This initiative forms part of the President’s Emergency Plan for Adaptation and Resilience (PREPARE), a comprehensive strategy leveraging multi-agency collaboration to foster resilience and adaptation in developing countries, ultimately targeting over half a billion individuals by 2030.
The context for this initiative stems from the observable impacts of climate change, marked by extreme weather events that are increasingly affecting infrastructure globally. In 2023, climate change contributed to disastrous outcomes from countless extreme weather events, leading to a record number of climate-related disasters in the United States. Recognizing that existing infrastructure was inadequately prepared for future challenges, a paradigm shift towards a systems-level approach was deemed necessary. This approach not only envisions the construction of resilient assets but also emphasizes the importance of integrated infrastructure systems that can withstand climate-induced stresses while yielding broader socio-economic benefits.
In summary, the ‘Resilience at Scale’ initiative exemplifies a significant shift in how the USG intends to address climate resilience through infrastructure. By adopting a systems-oriented approach, the USG aims to create robust infrastructure capable of adapting to emerging climate challenges while promoting economic growth. Collaborative efforts align across multiple government agencies, setting a framework for international cooperation to elevate resilience in the most vulnerable communities. The overarching goal remains clear: to advance effective strategies that ensure long-term stability in the face of escalating climate impacts.
Original Source: www.mcc.gov
