Investment Needs for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure in India
The World Bank projects that India will require an investment of over $2.4 trillion by 2050 and $10.9 trillion by 2070 to develop climate-resilient infrastructure and services for an anticipated urban population of around 951 million.
Urban Population Growth and Climate Vulnerability
- The urban population is expected to nearly double from 480 million in 2025 to 951 million by 2050.
- India's urban centers are increasingly vulnerable to climate-change events such as erratic rainfall, heatwaves, and rising sea levels.
Recommendations and Economic Impact
- The report titled “Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India” proposes a dedicated national urban and state resilience program focusing on flood and extreme heat.
- Implementation of integrated urban flood risk management and sustainable stormwater management at the city level is recommended.
- Heat mitigation actions are advised to increase GDP by up to 0.4% and save up to 130,000 lives a year by 2050.
Urban Infrastructure Opportunities
- India is yet to build over 50% of the urban infrastructure required for 2050, presenting a significant opportunity for resilient urban development.
Call for Action
- The World Bank emphasizes the need to strengthen cities against climate shocks and embed resilience into future urban growth.
- Improved access to urban finance through better private sector engagement is necessary.
- Investments in resilient infrastructure, municipal services, energy-efficient housing, modern solid waste management, and flood-resilient urban transport are crucial.
National Multisectoral Task Force
- A proposed national multisectoral task force could develop a new national program on urban resilience.
- This task force would assess ongoing policies and schemes at the central, state, and municipal levels.
Potential Consequences of Inaction
The report warns of severe consequences if timely action is not taken, with cities facing escalating losses from frequent and intense climate events such as floods, extreme heat, and water scarcity.
Statistics on Climate-Related Losses
- Urban pluvial or stormwater flooding-related losses currently cost between 0.5% and 2.5% of the country's GDP annually, and these could double under a global high-emission scenario.
- Resilient urban planning could raise GDP by up to 0.4% and save 130,000 lives annually by 2050.