Responding to Heatwaves in Displacement Contexts
The goal of this project is to investigate the effects of heatwaves on ongoing humanitarian efforts and identify necessary changes to enhance responses and adaptations to severe heatwave incidents. Displacement is a familiar occurrence for Danish organizations involved in humanitarian crisis response. In 2022, as the numbers of internally displaced populations due to disasters increased, the landscape for international organizations' response evolved, encompassing issues such as security and natural hazards. Notably, heatwaves have emerged as a growing threat, lacking adequate preparedness and response planning. Despite being underreported in many regions due to a lack of infrastructure, the impact of heatwaves continues to disproportionately affect those who struggle to cope and adapt.
Displacement scenarios exemplify this, as vulnerable populations often lack the means to escape the immediate effects of heat. Silent killers, heatwaves can have fatal consequences, particularly when compounded with other factors like displacement and natural hazards such as droughts, as illustrated by the 2023 Asian heatwave. Displacement remains a focal point for numerous Danish international NGOs responding to global humanitarian crises in an ever-changing climate. However, these efforts face challenges due to the impacts of heatwaves.
Interdisciplinary Disaster Research under the COPE umbrella.
Focus on research areas within the Social Sciences, Health and Law.
- Workshops 14 November 2023, 17 January 2024 and end-January 2024.
Purpose: Preparation of research application to be submitted mid-February 2024. - Workshop (Spring 2024) with the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other partners on how humanitarian organizations respond to heatwaves during their ongoing humanitarian action?
- Event (Fall 2024): Curated event at the Artist driven exhibition place Udstillingsstedet Sydhavn Station – Dissemination and illustrations of disaster risk reduction in displacement contexts. Artists and researchers collaborate on a 3-day dissemination event available for the public.
John Rand, Professor, Department of economics, SAMF.
Peter Fisker, Assistant Professor Development Economics Research Group (DERG), SAMF.
Beatriz Martinez Romera, Associate Professor, Centre for Climate Change Law and Governance, LAW.
Emmanuel Raju, Associate Professor, Global Health Section, SUND.
Anne Bach Nielsen, Post Doc, Afdeling for Global Sundhed , SUND.
- Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Danish Red Cross
- Save the Children
- International Organisation for Migration
- Artist driven exhibition place Udstillingsstedet Sydhavn Station.
Funded by
The project has received a one-year funding through the center's 'Seed funding' pool 2023
Project: Responding to Heatwaves in Displacement Contexts
Period: September 2023 to September 2024.