SHELTER IN A CHANGING CLIMATE

IS CLIMATE CHANGE A CONCERN? ”The greatest challenge humankind has ever faced, with the future and very survival of our children and their children hanging in the balance.” UNDP Human Development Report 2007/2008

SOME KEY ISSUES Continued, if not increased demand for natural raw materials Technical a) Resilience of current shelter materials to altered climates – wind, sun, hail…; choice of materials to circumstances… Technical b) design, thermal insulation, wind loading, chill factor, thermal expansion and contraction, One response will not fit all needs – flood, cyclone, earthquake, climatic situation Livelihood security likely to be affected if shelter needs are not adequately met Recovery needs will likely add pressure to already stressed environments

WHAT WE HOPE TO DISCUSS Key issues we have identified Key issues your organisation/self might identify Commonalities and peculiarities Strategic planning – research, funding, testing… Setting up an informal working group to examine key issues and possible responses How might we be more proactive, e.g. forecasting disasters, predicting rural-urban migration, identifying challenges to the Shelter Sector Is there need for a debate platform for different actors – DRR planners and practitioners, shelter experts…

WHAT WE MIGHT DO Provide insight and analysis based on latest information and research Create scenarios / humanitarian outcomes for the different climate change prognosis (e.g. 400ppm / 2 o C by 2020) Develop a strategy for adapting relief and development programmes to the growing imperatives of climate change and resource depletion – in line with key recommendations of the UN Human Development Report (Nov 2007) and other relevant publications Develop guidelines and criteria to be incorporated in the planning of future emergency shelter and recovery programmes Develop and disseminate relevant, up-to-date information (“rough guides” to all members Explore and develop training options for key actors in the humanitarian reform process.

Role of ProAct and RESET Unbiased moderators for debate Active research and scenario setting (e.g. adaptation; food security, energy security); consultancies Networking expertise Focal point, with CARE International, for integrating environment-related issues into 5 clusters Support to ESC – Input to workplan Easy access to key agencies – ensure all partners have a voice Advocacy and awareness – CARE, Federation, UN agencies, NGOs… Training guidance and delivery

WHY OUR GROUP IS THE BEST! WE NOT ONLY HAVE A HOT TOPIC… We also have CHOCOLATES!!