Despite scattered successes, DPI and climate actors often operate in parallel, not in partnership. This siloed approach is not just a missed opportunity — it’s an imperative to overcome.
From scorching heatwaves to devastating floods, the climate crisis is not a distant prophecy but a lived reality for millions. The urgency demands not isolated interventions but scalable, precise solutions — fast. How do we deliver swift, targeted support to communities battered by escalating disasters? How do we truly track emissions and protect our most vital ecosystems at scale? The answer might lie in an underutilised force: digital public infrastructure (DPI).
DPI — including digital identity systems, interoperable payments and data exchange — is already reshaping public service delivery, financial inclusion and healthcare. Yet, its immense promise for climate resilience and adaptation remains largely untapped. The challenge is not a lack of potential but a profound disconnect between the digital and climate communities.
