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Heatwaves’ infrastructure damage could cost trillions globally

A recently published book warns that bridges, roads, and railways are operating outside or at the limits they were designed for as extreme weather intensifies.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Asia

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, and while public attention fades when temperatures cool, the physical damage to core infrastructure persists, according to reporting summarized by SCMP Economy.

The outlet says ultra-hot days and nights can be deadly, particularly for people who cannot afford air conditioning, and can also drive severe wildfires, while less visible damage is mounting across roads, railways, bridges, and power systems.

SCMP Economy adds that some analysts estimate the total bill for repairs and resilience could eventually reach the trillions of dollars, paid for by current and future generations.

Citing a Reuters report dated July 15, SCMP Economy notes that record heat has led to railways buckling, roads melting, and power grids straining, and it points to the book Climate Change Effects on Infrastructure, which examines assets operating outside or at their tolerance levels due to earlier design assumptions that did not include climate change or extreme weather.

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