Interconnected infrastructure vital for coping with climate change: report

This aerial photo taken on May 16, 2023 shows wind turbines of Honghe Yongning wind power plant in Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China’s Yunnan Province. (Yunnan Provincial Energy Investment Group/Handout via Xinhua)

BEIJING, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) — Interconnected infrastructure plays a vital role in dealing with the global challenge of climate change, a report said.

The report, released by the Multilateral Cooperation Center for Development Finance, said that all countries should prioritize the development and integration of climate-resilient interconnected infrastructure to meet the goals set out in the Paris Agreement and fulfill their net-zero carbon emission commitments.

According to the report, interconnected infrastructure, such as energy and transportation, accounts for more than 70 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Because such infrastructure has a long lifespan, it is critical to incorporate current and projected future climate change impacts into the design and adaptation of infrastructure connectivity.

The report listed measures that included promoting electric cars and trucks, accelerating the construction of electrified railways, and innovating aviation fuels in the transportation sector, while establishing regional electricity markets, smart grids, hydropower stations in the energy sectors.

It also encouraged collaboration between policymakers, industry stakeholders and financial institutions to help direct investment towards sustainable and climate-smart projects, while promoting innovation to make interconnected infrastructure more efficient, resilient and environmentally-friendly.  ■