Authored by the writers of The Future of Humanitarianism in Response to Climate Change (2023), this article examines how climate change exacerbates humanitarian crises, especially through conflict. It questions whether the humanitarian sector can uphold its 'do no harm' principle and offers solutions and recommendations to address these challenges.

The images are becoming all too familiar: communities ravaged by unprecedented wildfires, cities submerged under storm surges, and farmlands turned to dust bowls. These are not scenes from a dystopian novel; they are harrowing realities of today’s world, underscored by the relentless march of climate change. As we stand on this precipice, the future of humanitarianism must evolve dramatically to meet the colossal challenges posed by a warming planet.

‍

Recognising the New Normal

The first step in revolutionising humanitarian efforts is to acknowledge the new normal. Climate change is not a distant threat—it's a current crisis. The traditional model of humanitarian aid, designed for short-term relief, is woefully inadequate for the systemic disruptions caused by climate change. We need a paradigm shift towards long-term, resilient strategies that not only respond to emergencies but also prepare communities for the inevitable impacts of climate change. 

‍

“For every dollar invested, six dollars can be saved. This means that investing in climate resilience creates jobs and saves money”. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, 2019

‍

Humanitarian organisations need to shift from reactive responses to proactive resilience-building. This includes investing in durable infrastructure, implementing drought-resistant agriculture, and creating flood-resistant urban designs. Alongside these physical measures, it’s crucial to support social and economic initiatives that empower communities through education, training, and local leadership development, fostering self-sufficiency and innovation.

‍

Harnessing Technology and Innovation

The tools we need to revolutionise humanitarianism are already at our fingertips. Advances in technology can vastly improve how we predict, prepare for, and respond to climate impacts. AI and big data can enhance our predictive capabilities, ensuring that aid is pre-positioned and that responses are swift and effective. 

For example, blockchain technology has demonstrated its success in aid distribution through the World Food Programme's (WFP) Building Blocks project, which supports Syrian refugees in Jordan. The technology provides a secure and transparent record of transactions, which minimises the risk of fraud and ensures that assistance reaches its intended recipients. Furthermore, blockchain-enabled smart contracts automate transactions, releasing funds as soon as delivery verifications are received, thus speeding up the distribution process and reducing administrative costs.

As technology evolves, it's opening doors to a host of new humanitarian initiatives, each with its unique set of benefits and challenges. Imagine AI-driven platforms that offer essential legal guidance to refugees, simplifying complex legalities in their host countries. Picture stateless individuals accessing and managing funds through secure mobile banking, and refugee camps using tailored virtual currencies that facilitate transactions and reward community involvement and skill development. Envision a world where anyone can support small businesses and entrepreneurs in recovering regions through peer-to-peer lending platforms, boosting the economic recovery of entire communities. These innovations are not just tools; they are vital lifelines that are transforming support for those in need.

Human Technology 

While technology boasts remarkable power and efficiency, it can lack the essential human touch—empathy and contextual insight. 

For instance, refugees actively shaping solutions meant for them, such as a mobile banking app tailored to the unique challenges of statelessness, ensure these tools are genuinely useful and not merely functional. Hence, human involvement in deploying these technologies is crucial, especially in the fluid, often unpredictable environments of humanitarian crises. It's the human touch that allows these tools to adapt and evolve as situations change on the ground, blending flexibility with high-tech capabilities. The synergy of human wisdom and technological prowess doesn't just solve problems; it transforms our approach, integrating cultural and ethical perspectives with systematic efficiency.

This vision of technology enhanced by human insight reflects the core philosophy of Coin for Change. We believe in harnessing cutting-edge technology not as a standalone solution but as a tool empowered by and for people. Our projects focus on developing solutions that are deeply rooted in the communities they serve, ensuring that every innovation is guided by empathy, adapted by real-world feedback, and implemented with full transparency. By aligning advanced technology with human values and needs, Coin for Change is committed to creating sustainable, impactful change across the globe, embodying a model of humanitarian aid that is both effective and compassionate. This approach is not just about providing aid; it's about building a future where technology and humanity work in concert to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

This narrative underscores the need for global collaboration: wealthier, tech-savvy nations must join forces with those on the frontline of climate impacts, crafting a united, effective response to a challenge that affects us all.

‍