Natural disasters are now inflicting direct global losses of up to $800 billion annually, with the true economic impact estimated to be nearly seven times that figure. As nations continue to rapidly expand their urban centers, transportation, and energy grids, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) warns that we are reaching a critical turning point. With approximately 75 percent of the infrastructure required by 2050 yet to be constructed, there is a narrow window of opportunity to bake climate resilience into these projects from the start, rather than retrofitting them at a much higher cost later.

To bridge this gap, the CDRI is championing international cooperation and private-sector investment, aiming to influence $10 billion in infrastructure finance by 2026. By sharing knowledge and technical benchmarks across its 70-member network—which includes countries like the UAE, Indonesia, and South Africa—the coalition is helping governments map risks and implement data-driven planning. Through initiatives like the Global Infrastructure Risk Model and Resilience Index (GIRI) and extensive training for officials worldwide, the CDRI is striving to ensure that future development is not only built for purpose but fortified against an increasingly volatile climate.