Infrastructure Impact of Climate Change in Sub‐Saharan Africa: Is the Decarbonizing Strategy the Cinderella of Climate Action?

Abstract

ABSTRACT Under a variety of climate scenarios, securing climate‐resilient infrastructure for sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) will require a comprehensive understanding of the extent of infrastructure vulnerability to climate change. This study explores the climate–infrastructure vulnerability linkage in SSA over the period 1995–2022, using Panel‐Spatial Correlation Consistent augmented with Least Square Dummy Variables (PSCC‐LSDV) and Two‐Step System Generalized Method of Moments (GMM). Results indicate that carbon emissions positively and significantly influence the infrastructure vulnerability index. This implies that if the generation of carbon emissions continues to increase, the level of infrastructure vulnerability to the changing climate will possibly rise, suggesting that the fragility of infrastructure systems in SSA could be exacerbated in the face of changing climatic patterns. Hence, the study stresses that the sustainability of infrastructure depends on how to mitigate and adapt to climate effects. If emission reduction could be effectively sustained through relevant mitigation measures, it would help reduce the levels of infrastructure vulnerability across the region. It is thus suggested that driving sustainable development through climate‐resilient infrastructure initiatives should be widely embraced. The quest for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions should also be given maximum support.