Sustainability and Resilience

Our understanding of climate change has evolved significantly, driven by growing scientific evidence and a marked increase in extreme weather events. This once-distant threat is now a stark reality, prompting a critical conversation about climate resiliency.

At its core, climate resiliency refers to the ability of buildings and infrastructure to withstand and adapt to the impacts of climate change, including extreme weather, rising temperatures, and flooding. While often linked with sustainability which focuses on reducing ecological footprints, climate resiliency zeroes in on preparing for unpredictable challenges.

Climate resiliency encompasses several critical components:

Robust design which involves using durable materials and construction techniques that can handle severe weather, like buildings built to resist hurricane winds or flooding.

Sustainable practices engage eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems that not only last longer but also perform better under challenging conditions.

Adaptability is about creating spaces that can change as climate conditions evolve, ensuring flexibility for the future while also getting locals involved in the planning process making sure that the infrastructure meet their needs and addresses their vulnerabilities.

The urgency for climate resiliency has never been more pronounced. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. faced a staggering 22 weather disasters in 2023, each costing over a billion dollars. Rising sea levels are also a huge concern, with the First Street Foundation projecting that nearly 300,000 homes could be at risk of chronic flooding by 2045. These events put public safety at risk, lead to major economic losses, and hit vulnerable communities.

What can we do? Solutions for building climate-resilient infrastructure are already in motion. Green infrastructure such as green roofs and permeable pavements can help cities manage stormwater and reduce urban heat. Energy efficiency measures can lower energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, ensuring comfort during extreme weather. Flood mitigation techniques like elevated buildings and flood barriers are essential for flood-prone areas, with New Orleans' recovery from Hurricane Katrina serving as a key example. Additionally, smart technologies, including sensors and data analytics, allow for real-time monitoring and effective resource management during adverse conditions.

To assess risks and readiness, understanding the big five classic perils - sea level rise, wildfires, seismic activities, extreme heat, and drought is vital. Each peril varies based on geography and timeframe, complicating risk assessment and decision making.

This situation resembles the fable of the Three Little Pigs where three houses of different materials are constructed to escape the Big Bad Wolf. The first little pig has a house made of straw and the wolf comes and blows it down. The second pig has a house made of wood, and the wolf has a harder time. And the third pig has a house made of brick, which the wolf can't blow down. The different building materials (straw, wood, and brick) illustrate varying levels of preparedness.

The essential questions become: how much more does it cost to build resiliently, and how often will challenges arise?

Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure presents significant opportunities for both public and private sectors. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), passed in 2021, allocates $50 billion specifically for climate resilience and hazard mitigation projects. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are increasingly being utilized to leverage private capital for public projects while sharing risks and benefits. Additionally, the green bond market has surpassed $500 billion in cumulative issuance, funding initiatives such as renewable energy systems and climate-adaptive building retrofits.