Critical Infrastructure Systems (CIS)

Infrastructure is essential for communal life. However, not all infrastructure is created equal! Some infrastructure is more essential than other. We call this infrastructure Critical Infrastructure Systems.

Definitions of CIS differ from country to country although the overall theme is the same. Let's take the UK's definition for example [1]:

"Those critical elements of infrastructure (namely assets, facilities, systems, networks or processes and the essential workers that operate and facilitate them), the loss or compromise of which could result in:

a) Major detrimental impact on the availability, integrity or delivery of essential services – including those services whose integrity, if compromised, could result in significant loss of life or casualties – taking into account significant economic or social impacts; and/or

b) Significant impact on national security, national defence, or the functioning of the state."

While some infrastructure is essential for the operation of society [2], other infrastructure isn't. Today we're focusing on the former.

Critical Infrastructure Systems include:

• Energy systems

• Transportation

• Healthcare

• Telecommunication

• Potable Water distribution

• Agriculture

• Shelter

• Local and national security

Sometimes the Economic sector is also considered a Critical infrastructure system (the USA considers it a CIS) as it allows for the movement of money form the various sectors [3].

What happens when climate change causes increased likelihood and magnitude of extreme weather patterns to occur? Well the risk of damaging these critical infrastructure systems increases! This means that CISs must be protected at all costs otherwise the collapse of society (or at least society will face a significant decrease in the quality of life) will be likely to occur.

As mentioned in one of our previous articles (you can read it here) interdependence between infrastructure is a large issue when facing climate change [4]. It is even more so an issue for CISs as most secondary infrastructure systems depend on one or more CISs.

The role of interdependence is a field of study that is seeing major investment in countries like the United Kingdom and it is likely to become at the forefront of many governments' minds as climate change will continue to threaten the livelihoods of their peoples.

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References:

[1] Critical National Infrastructure | CPNI | Public Website [Internet]. Cpni.gov.uk. Available from: https://www.cpni.gov.uk/critical-national-infrastructure-0

[2] Dictionary.com (2014) Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged, suppliments.

[3] Critical Infrastructure Sectors | CISA [Internet]. Cisa.gov. 2020 . Available from: https://www.cisa.gov/critical-infrastructure-sectors

[4] Farhad N, Garg S, Huxley R, Pillay K. UNDERSTANDING INFRASTRUCTURE INTERDEPENDENCIES IN CITIES [Internet]. C40 Cities; 2019. Available from: https://www.c40.org/researches/understanding-infrastructure-interdependencies-in-cities