What is critical infrastructure?

The functioning of societies is based on stability and the minimization of interruptions in the particular systems. Some of them may be seen as redundant or superfluous, but there are several areas, where any unforeseen event can bring dire consequences. These necessary assets are known as critical infrastructure.

Critical infrastructure — what does it include?

The crucial fields of this infrastructure are access to water supply, farming and food production, electricity and gas supplies and distribution, adequate shelter and the protection from the elements (such as access to heating sources). This list is of course the mere tip of an iceberg. In fact, the smooth running of sectors such as access to healthcare, public and commercial transport, means of communication or functioning of law enforcement and military may be seen as equally important.

When speaking about the critical infrastructure, we can enumerate the more general assets needed by each member of the society, as well as the networks and systems needed for upholding of the specific sectors. Because of the high-priority character of all the critical infrastructure assets, even seemingly minor disruptions in this field are often leading to human casualties, not to mention the economic losses. All the governments recognize the position these issues have for the basic functioning of the nations, working incessantly to forestall the natural and man-made disaster risks.

Why is critical infrastructure so vital?

The answer to this questions is simple, yet we take it for granted so often that we rarely stop to think about it. Without the properly organized critical infrastructure, no nation or geographical area could count on the long-term stability.

What is more, as all countries are at war with the global pandemic of the novel coronavirus, in some cases we were able to witness the painful consequences of the critical infrastructure failure. Because of that, the workforce that upholds it needs to be sufficiently prepared for any possibility. Such high degree of preparedness often saves human and animal lives, protects the natural environment and ensures unbroken access to essential resources.

But a far-reaching planning for incidents of the critical infrastructure failure is indispensable also when it comes to reducing the effects of the catastrophe on the job market and the economy as a whole. With meticulous calculations and arrangements made by the people with relevant experience, the countries are able to quickly regain their strength and balance.