Global Investment and Policy Implications in Low-Carbon, Climate-Resilient Infrastructure

The adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals and Paris Agreement in 2015 accelerated the transition to a low-carbon climate-resilient economy which requires significant investment for both new and existing infrastructure. About $9 billion will be required in investment for climate-related infrastructure by 2030, with most of the investment needs originating from developing countries. This study is designed to review previous literature on low-carbon climate-resilient infrastructure and analyze key features in climate infrastructure finance by multilateral and bilateral development institutions and PPPs. Ultimately, this study aims to provide policy implications for supporting Korean companies participating in overseas climate-related infrastructure projects. Based on the results of the previous analysis, the following implications can be derived for government and private initiatives to promote participation in overseas climate infrastructure projects. First, it is necessary to establish a comprehensive support system for the whole project including the planning, construction, operation and financing of overseas climate infrastructure projects. Second, the government should improve relevant policy measures to effectively support private sector expansion overseas in climate infrastructure. Third, selection and concentration strategies based on promising areas are necessary for efficient utilization of limited investment resources. Fourth, to encourage companies to participate in investment and promote the development of government policies and regulations, it is necessary to first disclose relevant information based on a common understanding of climate change and to mainstream climate change in corporate and government decision making.