What's Happening?
A new report from the Deloitte Center for Sustainable Progress suggests that AI applications, such as predictive maintenance and digital twins, could reduce infrastructure losses from natural disasters by 15% by 2050. This reduction could save $70 billion globally. The report highlights the need for governments and stakeholders to address technological limitations, financial constraints, and regulatory uncertainties to fully leverage AI for infrastructure resilience.
Why It's Important?
Natural disasters have historically caused significant infrastructure losses, and these are projected to increase due to climate change. AI offers potential solutions to mitigate these losses by enhancing infrastructure resilience. Investing in AI can lead to less frequent power outages, faster recovery after storms, and fewer damaged roads and bridges. The report emphasizes the importance of integrating AI into infrastructure planning to maximize its preventative and responsive capabilities.
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What's Next?
To realize the benefits of AI in infrastructure resilience, stakeholders must invest in digital and data infrastructure, foster cross-sector collaboration, and ensure access to high-quality data. Cities can start with pilot projects focusing on specific hazards, such as storms, to demonstrate the value of AI-driven solutions. Development banks and financial institutions are increasingly supporting AI-driven risk reduction strategies through flexible financing models.
