As climate change accelerates and global health systems face increasing strain, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has issued a bold call to action. Its 2025 Asian Infrastructure Finance Report, titled Infrastructure for Planetary Health, urges governments, financiers, and development institutions to rethink infrastructure investment as a tool for safeguarding both human and environmental health.
Launched at the Finance in Common (FiCS) Summit in Cape Town, South Africa, the report emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable infrastructure that directly addresses the interconnected crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and declining public health. AIIB President Jin Liqun encapsulated this vision by stating:
"Investment in human health is an investment in our future—stronger communities, resilient livelihoods, and lasting prosperity."
The report's key message is clear: the fate of human well-being is inseparable from the health of the planet. Without rethinking infrastructure development through a sustainability and health-focused lens, decades of progress in global health could be undone.
The Link Between Infrastructure, Climate, and Public Health
The report highlights how environmental degradation is fueling health crises worldwide. AIIB Chief Economist Erik Berglof pointed to staggering statistics: one-quarter of global deaths per year can be attributed to avoidable environmental factors. These include:
- Air pollution, which increases respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
- Water contamination, which spreads deadly illnesses such as cholera.
- Vector-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue, which are worsened by climate change.
Despite these threats, current infrastructure models often fail to consider the long-term health consequences of poor environmental planning. AIIB’s report introduces the concept of infrastructure for planetary health, advocating for investments that simultaneously tackle health and environmental challenges.
Three Key Investment Themes for Planetary Health
AIIB’s report outlines three core investment strategies to achieve a planet-friendly infrastructure revolution:
1. Investing in Accessible, Green, and Resilient Healthcare Infrastructure
Climate-related disasters—from heatwaves to floods—can cripple health systems, leaving vulnerable populations without critical care. AIIB calls for investments in hospitals, clinics, and medical supply chains that can withstand climate shocks. Key recommendations include:
- Building climate-resilient hospitals that can function during extreme weather events.
- Expanding healthcare access in rural areas, where communities are most vulnerable to climate-related diseases.
- Strengthening public health surveillance to detect and respond to emerging diseases linked to environmental changes.
2. Scaling Up Green Infrastructure and the ‘Health-in-Infrastructure’ Approach
Air pollution is one of the greatest threats to human health, causing 7 million premature deaths per year globally. AIIB recommends shifting away from fossil fuel-dependent infrastructure and integrating renewable energy solutions. Key recommendations include:
- Phasing out coal-fired power plants and transitioning to clean energy alternatives.
- Expanding public transportation systems that reduce air pollution and urban congestion.
- Designing cities with more green spaces, which lower temperatures and improve air quality.
3. Investing in Nature-Based Solutions
Well-functioning ecosystems are natural protectors of human health. AIIB urges countries to invest in nature-based infrastructure that restores biodiversity while strengthening resilience to climate change. Key recommendations include:
- Restoring wetlands and mangroves, which act as natural flood barriers.
- Implementing urban greening projects, such as rooftop gardens and tree-lined streets.
- Conserving forests, which provide clean air, water, and medicinal resources.
Mobilizing Global Investment for Health and Climate
AIIB’s call for planetary health-focused infrastructure aligns with its broader Climate Action Plan (CAP) and inaugural health strategy, launched in December 2024. The Bank has already financed 22 health projects worth $4.87 billion, signaling a strong commitment to social development and environmental sustainability.
However, implementing these solutions requires massive financial mobilization. The report calls on multilateral development banks, private sector investors, and governments to take coordinated action by:
- Increasing financial incentives for green infrastructure projects.
- Redirecting subsidies away from polluting industries and towards sustainable energy and healthcare solutions.
- Ensuring that every infrastructure project is assessed for its long-term health impact.
Conclusion: A Vision for Sustainable, Health-First Infrastructure
AIIB’s Infrastructure for Planetary Health report is a timely reminder that our cities, energy systems, and transport networks are not just economic tools—they are lifelines for human and planetary survival.
By integrating health-conscious and climate-smart infrastructure strategies, we can build a future where people thrive in harmony with nature. This requires bold leadership, financial commitment, and a shift in mindset from short-term development to long-term resilience.
As AIIB President Jin Liqun emphasized:
"By scaling up investment in infrastructure for planetary health, we can break the cycle of environmental degradation and declining health."
The time to act is now. Sustainable infrastructure is not just an option—it is the foundation of a healthier, more resilient planet for generations to come.
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