Yet between now and 2030, the amount of infrastructure on Earth could double and significantly alter or damage the natural systems we depend upon.

Poor planning, especially for projects in pristine environments, often leads to conflict and impacts vulnerable indigenous and local communities.

We need to make wise choices about what we build and where, involve all those likely to be affected, and pursue sustainability.

Natural disasters caused by human ecosystem disruption and climate change already cost more than $300 billion per year.

Building for the future means respecting nature, carefully blending new infrastructure with natural landscapes.

Sometimes the extraordinary natural infrastructure we already have can enhance or replace built solutions. Protecting coastal wetlands, for example, could save the insurance industry $52 billion annually through reduced flood damage.

With 75% of the infrastructure we need by 2050 yet to be built, we have an enormous opportunity to develop ‘hybrid’ infrastructure that combines natural and built systems in ways that allow people and planet to thrive.

Through developing strategic transport and communications infrastructure like railways, ports and fibre optics, the Belt and Road Initiative is designed to strengthen China’s trade links with Asia, Europe and Africa, stimulating investment and development.

Although President Xi Jinping has encouragingly called for it to be ‘a green Silk Road’, its proposed routes pass through many unique and important habitats.

That’s why we’ve produced recommendations for minimising negative impacts and delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals, and with our partner HSBC, specific recommendations for the finance sector which has a unique opportunity to invest in sustainable infrastructure and drive best practice in design, construction and operation.