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    Factor in 'calamity' in infra development

    Synopsis

    RBI estimates ₹85.6 lakh crore investment required in climate adaption by 2030 to help avoid increasing that amount. The upfront costs are worthwhile, as it will protect the most vulnerable and affected from being further challenged.

    Factor In ‘Calamity’ In Infra Development
    Cyclone Biporjoy ('calamity' in Bengali) is predicted to hit Saurashtra, Kutch and the coast between Mandvi and Karachi as a 'very severe cyclonic storm' with maximum sustained wind speed of 150 km per hour on Thursday. That such severe storms are likely to be more frequent and intense must be factored into infrastructure-building, and economic and development policymaking at all levels. The era of treating environmental degradation and climate change as 'chalta hai' considerations is over.

    India's cumulative contribution to global emissions, the cause of climate change, is limited - 3.4% of emissions between 1860 and 2021. But this limited contribution offers no protection from adverse impacts. Cyclones are a manifestation of global warming - not 'acts of god' - as are droughts, flooding, and extreme and unseasonal rainfall. As India builds out its infrastructure and implements development programmes for improving lives, it must ensure that its economic and developmental efforts are climate-proofed, especially since no one chooses their neighbourhood. The early warning system has been effective in limiting loss of life, but it cannot protect livelihood and infrastructure. That can be done by adapting to the adverse impacts and building climate resilience. This cannot be an afterthought. Money spent on building non-climate-resilient infrastructure and other development activities is money wasted, something a low-middle income country with a huge population and development needs like India cannot afford.

    RBI estimates ₹85.6 lakh crore investment required in climate adaption by 2030 to help avoid increasing that amount. The upfront costs are worthwhile, as it will protect the most vulnerable and affected from being further challenged.

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