Climate-Resilient Cities for Everyone: Homelessness, Housing and Climate Justice

Climate change is accelerating displacement, worsening housing insecurity, and increasing risks for people experiencing homelessness. Extreme heat/cold, flooding, storms, droughts, wildfires and environmental degradation are already forcing people from their homes while simultaneously exposing unhoused populations to severe health and safety risks. Yet homelessness, informal settlements and housing insecurity remain largely absent from climate adaptation strategies, urban resilience planning and climate finance discussions. This Climate Week NYC event will bring together city leaders, researchers, climate practitioners, homelessness experts and people with lived experience to explore how climate action can better protect those most vulnerable to climate impacts. Drawing on experiences from Asia, Australia, Europe, South America and beyond, speakers will examine: • How climate change is contributing to homelessness, displacement and housing insecurity. • The impacts of extreme weather on people experiencing homelessness. • The role of adequate and affordable housing as a climate adaptation and resilience measure. • Practical approaches cities can take to protect vulnerable populations. • How lived experience and community perspectives can shape more just and effective climate responses. The discussion will highlight emerging evidence, innovative local responses and opportunities for collaboration ahead of COP31 and beyond. By placing housing security at the centre of climate resilience, participants will explore how cities can better protect health, reduce vulnerability and advance climate justice for all.