New initiative unlocks the potential for PPPs to help close the climate resilience funding gap

LONDON (Jan. 26, 2021) – The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) has commissioned AECOM, the world’s premier infrastructure consulting firm, to create a first-of-its-kind Knowledge Module and associated professional development Masterclass to help build capacity among Public-Private Partnership (PPP) professionals on how to incorporate climate resilience into the PPP process for infrastructure. The project has received financial support from the Netherland’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and was launched this week at the global Climate Adaptation Summit.

Aimed at practitioners involved in infrastructure projects, including national and local government officials and private investors, among other practitioners, the Knowledge Module will explore the opportunities for PPP to fund infrastructure that increases resilience to climate change.

GCA and AECOM are looking at ways to increase collaboration across the public and private sectors and show the benefits of enhancing the resilience of infrastructure. There is a strong business case for doing so, with the World Bank estimating that every $1 invested in resilience can yield $4 of net benefits. In total, building more resilient infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries could yield $4.2 trillion of net benefits.

Prof. Dr. Patrick Verkooijen, CEO of the GCA, said: “By integrating climate resilience upstream into infrastructure planning we can ensure that the huge investment needs in infrastructure do not lock-in sustainable development. For that, it is essential to build capacity of professionals working throughout the infrastructure lifecycle. We see Public-Private Partnerships as a key entry-point to ensure new and existing infrastructure is climate resilient.”

Michael Henderson, Regional Director for Sustainable and Resilient Cities (Europe), AECOM, said: “The climate crisis is much bigger than any one sector or organisation and requires a fundamental shift across industry. Working with the GCA, AECOM brings its global expertise in climate resilience and infrastructure financing to the development and delivery of this masterclass that will help upskill industry and unlock the collective power of PPPs in addressing the critical demand for climate resilient infrastructure.”

GCA and AECOM will work with a wide range of stakeholders from the public and private sectors, including UN agencies, Multilateral Development Banks, NGOs and academia, to ensure the Knowledge Module brings together global best practices into a single resource.

The Knowledge Module will include topics such as addressing climate policies, planning for uncertain scenarios, overcoming physical climate risks, and connecting infrastructure with nature. The training component will combine individual interactive virtual learning modules with a Masterclass to certify Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Officers (CRIOs).

Applications for the Knowledge Module are now open and can be submitted here.