Habitats on the edge - Securing climate resilient homes for informal settlements

Formal settlements have witnessed advancements in construction standards, aiming to enhance safety, quality, and adaptability to climate change. However, the situation is quite different for informal settlements. In these areas, the lack of such improvements is further compounded by the escalating effects of climate change. As urbanisation continues and informal settlements burgeon, the need for effective housing solutions becomes increasingly urgent.
“We must find viable ways to provide appropriate homes for vulnerable communities, bridging the gap between formal and informal living conditions” Roof Over Our Heads, Delivering resilient, affordable, low carbon homes for 2bn people by 2050.
The discussion aims to share sustainable informal housing innovations, align strategic resources, and drive impactful change in urban environments worldwide, enhancing community empowerment and environmental sustainability. The drive of this events is to equip informal communities with access to approaches and techniques that are not only robust and affordable but also improve energy efficiency and adaptability to changing weather conditions.
Inspired by and in collaboration with the Roof Over Our Heads campaign, this event will focus on enhancing resilience in housing across varied climates and communities. Arup has recently contributed the ROOH campaign to improve the Rasulabad Informal Settlement in Surat, India, empowering residents to design and enhance their homes with affordable, climate-resilient construction technologies. Habitat for Humanity is actively addressing health risks associated with poor housing and climate change, particularly in regions facing significant threats from vector-borne diseases. Their interventions include vector-proofing, improving indoor environments through passive design, and fostering user-centred housing solutions. The City of Johannesburg will present approaches and case studies around the importance of creating integrated sustainable human settlements through informal settlement upgrade programmes and policies.
This event represents a unique opportunity for professionals, experts, and enthusiasts in the field of urban development, climate change resilience, and housing to come together, share insights, and foster partnerships that will drive forward our collective vision for sustainable and inclusive urban futures. Together, we can turn the tide for informal settlement dwellers worldwide, empowering them with the tools and knowledge to thrive in the face of climate adversity.