Academic Publications

Abstract

People experiencing homeless have greater vulnerabilities in relation to climate change that require a range of policy and systems approaches. There are two interrelated areas that policymakers can consider in relation to climate change and homelessness: migration and exposure. This synthesis of the available data and expert opinion provides practical information to policymakers, with specific strategies alongside case examples. The data captured here is through systematic reviews, and expert opinion is generated through input from a year-long series of five virtual think tanks. Throughout this synthesis paper, an emphasis is placed on explicitly addressing homeless populations in the policies and plans designed to address climate change-related impacts. Prevention-oriented plans are shown to be more effective in terms of outcomes and cost-effectiveness compared to the more commonly deployed crisis response models. Another key issue considered is the availability of relevant data with which to target policy responses and evaluate outcomes. Data-driven responses tend to be more successful, though relevant data are, to date, lacking for homeless and other marginalized populations. Moreover, effective policy design in this area needs to be intersectional and inclusive, tailored to the needs of local communities and developed in consultation with lived experience stakeholders, including service providers. Policies that ignore local input tend to fail. Prevention-oriented, culturally-situated, and trauma-informed systems and services hold the greatest promise in responding to the severe health risks and inequities that homeless populations face in the climate crisis.

Keywords

Climate Change; Homeless; Response; Exposure; Migration; Health

Climate Change, Weather, Housing Precarity, and Homelessness: A Systematic Review of Reviews

Authors: Mariya Bezgrebelna, Kwame McKenzie, Samantha Wells, Arun Ravindran, Michael Kral, Julia Christensen, Vicky Stergiopoulos, Stephen Gaetz, and Sean A. Kidd

Abstract

This systematic review of reviews was conducted to examine housing precarity and homelessness in relation to climate change and weather extremes internationally. In a thematic analysis of 15 reviews (5 systematic and 10 non-systematic), the following themes emerged: risk factors for homelessness/housing precarity, temperature extremes, health concerns, structural factors, natural disasters, and housing. First, an increased risk of homelessness has been found for people who are vulnerably housed and populations in lower socio-economic positions due to energy insecurity and climate change-induced natural hazards. Second, homeless/vulnerably-housed populations are disproportionately exposed to climatic events (temperature extremes and natural disasters). Third, the physical and mental health of homeless/vulnerably-housed populations is projected to be impacted by weather extremes and climate change. Fourth, while green infrastructure may have positive effects for homeless/vulnerably-housed populations, housing remains a major concern in urban environments. Finally, structural changes must be implemented. Recommendations for addressing the impact of climate change on homelessness and housing precarity were generated, including interventions focusing on homelessness/housing precarity and reducing the effects of weather extremes, improved housing and urban planning, and further research on homelessness/housing precarity and climate change. To further enhance the impact of these initiatives, we suggest employing the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA).

Keywords

Homeless; Housing; Climate; Weather; Review; Health

The Climate Change–Homelessness Nexus

Authors: Sean A. Kidd, Shakoor Hajat, Mariya Bezgrebelna, and Kwame McKenzie, on behalf of the Climate-Homelessness Working Group

Abstract

Climate change affects human health and wellbeing with differential impacts on populations and regions. For example, climate change disproportionally affects girls and women and can amplify conflict and violence in resource-deprived environments. The way climate change exacerbates economic and social disparities underscores the role of migration in response to climate pressures. Movement or staying in place, whether forced or voluntary, have important immediate and downstream implications for the growing numbers of people affected. Although the mechanisms through which climate impacts human health are becoming better understood, substantial knowledge gaps remain. One such gap is the role of shelter. Housing and shelter are pivotal in considering the physical and mental health impacts of climate change for individuals without shelter or who live in temporary and unfit housing.

Global Climate Implications for Homelessness: A Scoping Review

Authors: Sean A. Kidd, Susan Greco, and Kwame McKenzie

Abstract

Homelessness is a persistent global challenge with significant health impacts on those affected. Homeless people are by definition the most exposed to weather conditions and the social and economic problems caused by extreme weather and climate change and variability. This systematic review was designed to synthesize the academic literature that addresses the health and social implications of global climate change for homelessness. The question examined in this systematic scoping review is the following: What is the current state of knowledge in the scientific literature on the health and social implications of global climate change for homelessness? A systematic scoping review method was used to identify and synthesize the peer-reviewed literature relevant to this question. The databases searched were PsycINFO, Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Of the 26 papers identified in this review, 20 employed original data analyses with conclusions largely inferred from cross-sectional associations. Themes included the potential influence of climate change on homelessness prevalence, climate impacts that exacerbate specific vulnerabilities of homeless populations (e.g., chronic illness, exposure, stigmatization), and health and social outcomes. Service use and design implications were also addressed. Given the scale of the impacts of climate change on homelessness, the literature on this topic poses promising directions but is under-developed in its current state to adequately inform risk mitigation and response planning. A systems framework is proposed here to inform future research and service design.

Keywords

Homeless; Climate; Review; Systems

Shelter is Key to Delivering on COP27 Commitments

Authors: Sean A. Kidd, Luiz A. C. Galvao, Shakoor Hajat, Mariya Bezgrebelna, and Kwame McKenzie

Abstract

The risks of climate change for human health are profound, and internationally coordinated efforts (e.g., the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change [UNFCCC]) are essential to the response. The most noteworthy outcome of the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP27), held in November, 2022, was the commitment to addressing loss and damage associated with climate change.

Neoliberalism, Climate Change, and Displaced and Homeless Populations: Exploring Interactions Through Case Studies

Authors: Mariya Bezgrebelna, Shakoor Hajat, Solomon Njengah, Marc R. Settembrino, Jamie Vickery, and Sean A. Kidd

Abstract

There is a growing attention to neoliberal policies and practices as they relate to climate change and housing within academic literature. However, the combined effects of neoliberal political and economic decisions on the interaction between climate change and displaced and homeless populations have not been substantially explored. In this paper, we identify and focus on three key re-emerging themes prevalent within neoliberal discourses: economic considerations, individualization, and short-termism. To examine the intersecting influence of climate change and these themes on vulnerable populations, the following case studies are discussed: displaced populations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, refugees in Kenya, and tiny homes programs in the U.S. and Canada. The diversified contexts and levels of analysis allow for more nuanced understanding of the variety of ways in which neoliberal influences and climate-induced events impact the most vulnerable populations. We argue for the need to change the framing of these issues, which are often presented in neoliberal terms and are driven by neoliberal logic. We then present potential avenues for resolving the identified issues, such as through systemic changes, development of long-term solutions, and focusing on community-based adaptation (CBA) programs.

Keywords

Climate Change; Neoliberalism; Homelessness; Displaced Populations; Migration; Refugees