Building a Blueprint for Better Infrastructure
Brandon Li (PPS ‘24)
The trillion dollar question- and opportunity- is how exactly to Build Back Better. Bringing forward constructive conversation on the threats posed by climate change is more essential than ever. Biden’s signature issue is one that offers hope and resilience for the climate through providing unprecedented investments. Gridlock that has characterized decades of inaction and neglect has left us collectively less prepared for the future challenges that we will face. When facing a problem as big and overwhelming as climate change, the worst thing to do is nothing. Infrastructure is the key to a whole of economy approach towards a greener, more sustainable future.
Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is a harsh reality that we all face today. The increasing disturbances of extreme weather events such as hurricanes or prolonged drought and unpredictable precipitation in the Western US are clear indicators of changing climate patterns. The consequences of climate change are widespread, affecting ecosystems, economies and human lives, many of which call for infrastructure solutions. Infrastructure has historically been sacrificed for hotter political issues and left increasingly decentralized. Mitigation and adaptation strategies must be quickly developed and effectively deployed to address the needs of the most vulnerable populations. As we continue to study the devastating impacts of climate change, it is imperative that we take urgent action to mitigate its effects and sustainable infrastructure is a critical component of this effort.
Infrastructure is key to enabling the transition being the physical systems and structures that support our societies whether it be transportation, energy, water systems or communication networks. Traditionally, infrastructure has been designed and built with little consideration for its impact, leading to criticisms when it comes to environmental concerns and social equity considerations. How our built environment is designed should be given more focus, from the materials being used (ie concrete which is an outsized carbon source) to who is using it (some issues that come to mind include zoning or gentrification). In the face of climate change, we must shift towards sustainable infrastructure that is designed for all and managed with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving resources and enhancing resilience to climate impacts.
One of the key areas where sustainable infrastructure is clearly needed is in transportation. If we are to get rid of gas-guzzling internal combustion engine vehicles, reliable charging networks are an obvious priority. A major aim of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is to support their widespread construction as well as maintenance and this endeavor has also demonstrated that private investments are sure to follow the public sector’s lead. Investing in sustainable transportation infrastructure also means taking into account equity whether it be progressive tax credits relating to EV upkeep or expanding public transit systems and active transportation options like walking and cycling paths that can help reduce emissions and promote more sustainable modes of transportation. Additionally, integrating nature-based solutions such as green spaces and urban forests quality, making our cities more resilient to climate change.
Energy distribution infrastructure is another critical area where innovative, sustainable solutions are needed. Fossil fuel-based energy systems remain the largest source of global carbon emissions. In powering everything through electricity, we will need to make sure that clean energy is being produced to begin with. Transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydroelectric power as well as investing in energy-efficient technologies such as smart grids can significantly reduce emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. In fact, renewables like solar are already cheaper than traditional sources of energy but storing residual power remains a problem. Investment should be directed into cutting-edge energy storage R&D as much as renewables. Furthermore, sustainable energy infrastructure can provide opportunities for decentralized and community-based energy systems, empowering local communities and creating a more resilient and inclusive energy sector.
There are many other areas of infrastructure which should receive greater attention but there’d be simply too much to cover. Investing in sustainable infrastructure not only helps us mitigate the impacts of climate change, but it also presents an opportunity for sustained growth. Sustainable infrastructure projects can create immense opportunities in clean energy, innovation and other emerging sectors, promoting economic development. Sustainable infrastructure can also play a role in advancing social equity by providing access to affordable, reliable and clean services for vulnerable communities who are often disproportionately impacted by climate change. But transitioning to sustainable infrastructure is not without challenges. It requires significant investments, innovative technologies and changes in policy and regulatory frameworks as well as greater collaboration with civil society and the private sector.
Brandon Li (PPS ’24) is from Los Angeles, California and is studying Economics and Public Policy at Duke University. This piece was submitted as an op-ed in the Spring ’23 PUBPOL 301 course. This content does not represent the official or unofficial views of the Sanford School, Polis, Duke University, or any entity or individual other than the author.
