Bridging the Gap: Climate Crisis, Humanitarian Aid, and Climate-Sensitive Interventions

The climate crisis continues to escalate, with devastating consequences for vulnerable populations worldwide. Yet, there remains a critical gap in how humanitarian aid, particularly in conflict-affected regions, responds to this crisis. Humanitarian efforts often focus on immediate relief without integrating long-term climate resilience measures, thereby exacerbating vulnerabilities. Here I explore the necessity for climate-sensitive humanitarian interventions, focusing on Sudan’s complex emergency response amid climate-induced disasters and conflicts, and the urgent need to bridge this gap.

Climate and conflict

Climate change has had catastrophic consequences on already fragile communities. In Sudan, the combination of climate change and ongoing conflict has placed over 25 million people in need of humanitarian assistance with more than 10.7 million internally displaced persons (IDPs).[1] These figures are expected to rise as climate-induced disasters continue to displace thousands across the country. This reality is reflected globally where millions are pushed from their homes by climate-induced disasters like floods, droughts, and storms.[2]

While the UN’s Early Warnings for All initiative highlights the importance of disaster preparedness and climate-sensitive interventions, many humanitarian responses fail to integrate these climate measures.[3] One example is the allocation of approximately USD 2.7 billion by UNHCR for Sudan’s 2024 humanitarian operations[4]. Those funds are directed toward emergency responses without taking into consideration climate change. Moreover, aid directed to the IDP gathering sites in Kassala state, Northern state and Red Sea states does not include provisions for addressing climate vulnerabilities. This lack of climate integration in humanitarian responses undermines the resilience of communities already struggling with the compounding effects of conflict and climate stress.

The cost of ignoring climate

Inadequate responses to climate change in conflict-affected regions pose severe risks. A study comparing aid allocation models in Africa revealed that ignoring climate factors in humanitarian aid can result in maladaptation where immediate relief efforts inadvertently worsen long-term vulnerabilities.[5] Such is the case in Sudan where relief efforts fail to incorporate sustainable solutions like drought-resistant agriculture or flood mitigation strategies.

The devastating impact of climate-related flooding in Sudan is staggering, with an estimated 317,000 people affected, including 118,000 displaced, across 16 states. The floods have ravaged homes with nearly 27,000 destroyed and over 31,000 damaged, leaving thousands of families in dire need of shelter. The heavy rains have also dealt a severe blow to humanitarian efforts with vital supplies such as food stocks and medical equipment destroyed. In Kassala town, for instance, 190 tents in one gathering site housing displaced families were damaged, further compounding the challenges.[6] The risk of disease outbreaks looms large, especially with stagnant floodwaters and the recent confirmation of over 268 cholera cases and 17 deaths by Sudan’s health ministry.[7] These floods not only displace families but also undermine health, sanitation, and education systems, leaving an already vulnerable population on the brink of disaster.

Climate-sensitive interventions

Traditional humanitarian aid models are ill-equipped to handle the complexities of climate change. As outlined by UN OCHA Global Humanitarian Overview, humanitarian aid must incorporate strategies that reduce climate vulnerabilities, especially in conflict-affected regions.[8] Failing to do so not only heighten the risk of resource depletion but also intensifies local conflicts over water, land, and energy. In many regions in Sudan like the East Sudan states, Northern state, and Darfur states, where competition over scarce resources is a significant driver of conflict, integrating climate-sensitive measures in aid programs could reduce tensions and support long-term peace.

One glaring example of climate-insensitive humanitarian efforts is the UNHCR’s assistance in Kassala and the Red Sea states. Despite funding for emergency response, no climate resilience measures have been included, leaving these communities vulnerable to floods with massive loss of humanitarian supplies.[9] In contrast, integrating climate resilience strategies—such as sustainable water management and flood defenses—into humanitarian aid can foster long-term stability and reduce future risks.[10][11]

Resilience through climate-smart interventions

To address these issues, humanitarian aid must evolve. Several strategies can be employed to incorporate climate resilience into emergency responses:

Early warning systems: Expanding early warning systems for floods and droughts is crucial in Sudan where communities frequently suffer from unpredictable climate-induced disasters. Strengthening these systems and enhancing disaster preparedness will help protect vulnerable populations, particularly in flood-prone areas like River Nile and Northern states.

Flood management and infrastructure improvement: Sudan faces severe flooding due to poor infrastructure and inadequate drainage systems. Investing in flood defenses such as levees, improved drainage, and riverbank reinforcements, particularly in vulnerable regions like Khartoum, Kassala, and the River Nile, can reduce the impact of seasonal floods. Additionally, integrating flood-resilient infrastructure into urban planning and upgrading water management systems will help mitigate future flood risks and prevent damage to homes, roads, and farmland.

Humanitarian aid sensitive planning: Humanitarian responses must not only address immediate needs but also incorporate climate change considerations. Aid programs should be designed with a focus on reducing vulnerabilities to climate-induced disasters. For example, integrating climate adaptation strategies, such as reinforcing shelters, improving drainage systems, and promoting sustainable land use, can help communities build resilience against future shocks. Engaging local communities in planning ensures interventions are context-appropriate, sustainable, and responsive to both humanitarian and environmental challenges.

Enhancing livelihoods in displacement settings: In Sudan's many IDP and refugee camps, improving infrastructure and supporting climate-resilient livelihoods can have a transformative impact. Introducing small-scale, climate-smart agricultural practices, such as urban gardening, or supporting vocational training programs in trades like carpentry and renewable energy installation, can empower displaced populations to become more self-reliant. This is particularly effective in areas like Kassala, Darfur, and Gedaref, where long-term displacement and climate vulnerabilities are significant.

The way forward

The humanitarian response in climate-conflict affected countries must shift from short-term relief to long-term resilience. By incorporating climate-sensitive strategies into humanitarian interventions, aid organizations can better address the root causes of vulnerability and conflict. Sudan, a country on the frontlines of both climate change and conflict, provides a clear example of the need for this paradigm shift. With the right investments in climate resilience, humanitarian aid can move beyond temporary relief and toward building sustainable, peaceful communities.