Paper details
| Paper authors | Julia Hajjar, Kyla Ulmer, Vishva Ragunathan, Dr. Salim Sohani, Dr. Ayham Alomari, The Canadian Red Cross |
| In panel on | Reimagining Humanitarian Response in the Face of Compounding Global Risks |
| Paper presenter(s) will be presenting |
In-Person / |
Abstract
The increasing severity and frequency of climate-related emergencies—such as extreme heat, cold, and air quality crises—demand innovative, context-specific responses from humanitarian actors. The Canadian Red Cross (CRC) has developed a novel approach to domestic climate emergencies through the deployment of a modular, mobile Climate Hub. Designed to address immediate health and shelter needs during extreme weather events, the Hub uses specialized tents with heating, cooling, and HEPA air filtration to offer clean air and respite in affected communities.This presentation draws on recent Climate Hub deployments in Canada to explore the operational, structural, and ethical challenges of responding to climate-driven emergencies diverse settings. It will highlight how the CRC is rethinking traditional models of humanitarian aid through locally adapted, equity-focused approaches that center marginalized communities disproportionately affected by climate impacts. Speakers will share key lessons learned, including barriers to service delivery, inter-agency coordination, and strategies for scaling the Climate Hub model globally. This session advocates for more agile, community-responsive infrastructure in climate health response, and offers actionable recommendations to integrate scalable humanitarian innovations into preparedness and policy frameworks—both in Canada and internationally.
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