How Do Rising Temperatures in Coastal Regions Affect Precipitation Intensity? CDRI Head Discusses

Nice (France), June 6 (NationPress) Approximately 37 percent of the global population resides within 100 km of coastlines, where the population density is twice the global average. These coastal regions contribute an estimated $1.5 trillion to the world’s GDP annually, a figure expected to nearly double to $3 trillion by 2030.

Moreover, around 90 percent of globally transported goods are moved via sea routes. Climate change is exacerbating climate-related hazards, resulting in both hydrometeorological disasters and slow-onset events, while also introducing new risks to various communities.

As the third UN Ocean Summit approaches in Nice, hosted by France and Costa Rica from June 9-13, Amit Prothi, Director General of the New Delhi-based Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), spoke exclusively with IANS about the infrastructure vulnerabilities faced by small island developing states (SIDS), which are at greater risk than other nations. Notably, a third of India's population lives in coastal areas.

Prothi emphasized that in coastal zones, rising temperatures have led to an increase in the frequency and severity of intense precipitation events, including hurricanes, cyclones, and flooding. Extreme storms and rising sea levels contribute to heightened coastal flooding, storm surges, and erosion.

He noted the growing focus on mobilizing private financing for disaster risk reduction and strengthening infrastructure resilience, particularly in developing nations and SIDS. According to Prothi, “CDRI’s Global Infrastructure Resilience report indicates that the majority of new infrastructure investments over the next three decades will take place in low- and middle-income countries, highlighting the need for resilient assets to safeguard communities and foster growth.”

Established in 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the UN Climate Action Summit, the CDRI is an international organization led by the Government of India, aimed at promoting disaster resilience. India serves as the Permanent Co-Chair, with France set to hold the Rotational Co-Chair position from April 2024 to March 2026, following previous co-chairs, the UK and the US.

The initiatives of CDRI prioritize resilient infrastructure and services critical for socio-economic development, including sectors like health, transportation, energy, and telecommunications. Special attention is given to high-risk regions such as coastal, mountainous, urban, and SIDS.

Prothi highlighted that infrastructure in SIDS faces significantly greater risks than in other nations. When IANS inquired about CDRI's support for these regions, he responded, “SIDS are particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events that can overwhelm infrastructure and disrupt essential services such as transport, electricity, and water supply. These interruptions affect livelihoods, public health, and economic stability. To mitigate these risks, our coalition’s IRIS initiative, supported by India, Australia, the UK, and the EU, provides SIDS with technical assistance, capacity building, and knowledge resources.”

Currently, CDRI is funding 24 projects across 25 SIDS, with a total financial commitment of $13.8 million. These initiatives are being carried out in collaboration with local governments, regional organizations, and technical institutions. Noteworthy projects include bolstering housing stock in Dominica for over 72,000 people, developing a multi-hazard early warning system in Fiji for 900,000 residents, enhancing health infrastructure in Haiti, improving school facilities in Comoros, and creating drainage and irrigation systems in Guyana benefiting over 700,000 individuals.

A significant achievement at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29), held in Baku last November, was CDRI’s announcement of $8 million in funding for SIDS, targeting essential areas like early warning systems, coastal infrastructure, and water management. Discussing CDRI’s role at COP30 in Brazil this year and beyond, Prothi expressed optimism, stating, “At COP30, CDRI will continue to stress the importance of disaster-resilient infrastructure for climate change adaptation, linking sustainable development with climate action. It is crucial to integrate resilience into all types of infrastructure—new, rebuilt, or retrofitted.”

Prothi indicated, “The CDRI will unveil the ‘resilience dividend’ through the launch of the second Global Infrastructure Resilience (GIR) report. This document, along with discussions, will reaffirm the long-term benefits of resilience investments, which greatly surpass initial expenditures.”

He also noted that the CDRI will present region-specific programs for Africa and SIDS, illustrating how localized efforts can contribute to achieving global climate objectives in line with COP30’s vision of a Global Mutirão. In May, during the Panama Climate Week, the COP30 Presidency, Brazil, discussed the formulation of a global framework to realize the Climate Mutirão initiative, which aims to mobilize efforts and translate climate commitments into tangible actions.

Prothi believes that innovative financial instruments such as catastrophe bonds and parametric insurance are essential for bridging financing gaps in vulnerable regions. Additionally, fortifying institutions, incorporating resilience into planning, and leveraging financial mechanisms can encourage both public and private investments. Moreover, tailored solutions, like multi-country parametric insurance, can offer rapid financial relief post-disasters, while reinforcing infrastructure agencies and implementing early-warning systems are critical for risk management and preparedness.