Resilient Infrastructures: Pillars for Community Wellbeing Amid the Climate Crisis
Can we transform our cities into safer spaces for communities in the face of climate change? Mozambique demonstrates that resilient infrastructure can indeed make a difference.
In November 2024, torrential rains and flooding in Valencia caused by a DANA caused one of the worst catastrophes in Spain since the 1960s.
How can we make cities safer and more equitable as climate change accelerates? Extreme events like these are becoming increasingly common, yet Mozambique's experience shows that investing in resilient infrastructure can have a transformative impact. These investments not only reduce material damage but also tackle social inequalities, ensuring communities are better equipped to resist and recover from climate challenges.
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What is resilient infrastructure?
While infrastructure has traditionally been built to last, the rapid evolution of climate conditions has made conventional standards inadequate. In 2023 alone, approximately 400 natural disasters caused over 87,000 deaths and economic losses exceeding $202.7 billion. Modern infrastructure must go beyond simply enduring wear and tear; it must actively enhance community safety, well-being, and prosperity.
Resilient infrastructure refers to systems specifically designed to withstand, adapt to, and recover from climate-related challenges. The core objective is to ensure communities remain functional even during extreme events like floods or heatwaves.
"Resilient infrastructures are systems designed to withstand, adapt, and recover in the face of challenges arising from climate change."
These systems are defined by their flexibility to adapt to evolving conditions, their focus on sustainability to minimize environmental impact, and their strategic role in maintaining essential services. Examples include green roofs that manage stormwater and cool urban areas, or permeable pavements that allow rainwater to filter through into the ground.
Investing in resilient infrastructure is not only cost-effective—minimizing damage and repair costs—but also advances social equity. According to the World Bank, every dollar spent on climate resilience yields up to four dollars in economic benefits by avoiding long-term losses. Vulnerable communities, in particular, benefit the most, as deteriorated infrastructure tends to exacerbate the impacts of climate disasters.
Mozambique: Resilient infrastructure as a path to justice
Mozambique offers a powerful example of how resilient infrastructure can save lives and address deep-rooted inequalities. In 2019, the country faced a devastating humanitarian crisis when Cyclones Idai and Kenneth struck, leaving more than 600 dead, hundreds of thousands displaced, and critical infrastructure in ruins.
Cities like Beira, one of the hardest-hit areas, were submerged after storm drains and dikes failed to handle the deluge. Rural areas saw roads, water systems, schools, and health centers completely destroyed, leaving communities isolated and without essential resources.
Rather than merely restoring what was lost, Mozambique opted for resilient infrastructure—strengthening its capacity to face future disasters while advancing environmental and social justice.
One standout initiative is Beira's modernized storm drainage system, which now includes wider and deeper channels to handle larger volumes of water, significantly reducing flood risks. The city has also restored its mangroves—a natural infrastructure solution that provides dual benefits: acting as a buffer against storm surges and sequestering carbon dioxide to mitigate climate change. Beira further embraced solar-powered streetlights, which, during the aftermath of the cyclones, were often the only source of illumination in the city.
In rural areas, Mozambique prioritized the construction of low-cost, durable roads designed to withstand heavy rains, ensuring access to markets and essential services even in remote regions. These roads help integrate marginalized populations into broader economic and social networks, promoting equity.
The country also rebuilt schools and hospitals using cyclone-resistant designs, incorporating reinforced roofs and resilient materials to ensure these structures can endure future storms and serve as emergency shelters during disasters.
Mozambique’s journey demonstrates that resilient infrastructure is not just an investment in survival but also a powerful means of achieving environmental and social justice.
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