Habitat for Humanity white paper reveals most countries lack commitment to housing and informal settlements in climate strategies
Only 21% of countries prioritize housing in climate commitments, according to a white paper released at COP29; urgent action needed to address housing’s role in climate resilience and emissions reduction
BAKU, AZERBIJIAN (Nov. 11, 2024) — Only 21% of countries demonstrate high-level commitments to housing in their national climate goals, according to a white paper released today by Habitat for Humanity International at the COP29 climate change conference. Perhaps even more worryingly, 61% of countries show no or minimal commitment to housing within these plans, according to the paper titled “Housing and Informal Settlements Content in Nationally Determined Contributions.” Each country’s Nationally Determined Contribution, or NDC, spells out its public pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate impacts, outlining specific targets and actions to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.
In addition to the lack of commitment to housing, only 16 out of 194 NDCs reviewed mention informal settlements as a national issue, and just 10 as an urban issue, with few offering specific measures to address the vulnerabilities faced by these communities. This gap underscores the lack of prioritization of housing and informal settlements despite their essential role in climate action.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, or UNEP, the built environment accounts for 21% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with residential buildings responsible for 17%. Housing — from design and construction to day-to-day operations — significantly impacts climate change through energy consumption, land use and carbon-intensive building practices.
With over 2.8 billion people worldwide experiencing housing inadequacy, including 1.1 billion living in informal settlements, and those numbers expected to increase, the need for resilient housing solutions is more critical than ever. Habitat’s white paper emphasizes that integrating housing and informal settlements into climate strategies can not only reduce carbon emissions and lower energy costs but also protect vulnerable populations most affected by climate change.
“With many countries scheduled to update their NDCs by 2025, Habitat for Humanity calls on world leaders to recognize housing and informal settlements as a core component of climate action,” said Patrick Canagasingham, chief operating officer at Habitat for Humanity International. “Effective housing policies and the transformation of informal settlements must be central to achieving global climate goals, building climate resilience, and ensuring the security and well-being of vulnerable communities worldwide.”
As countries update their NDCs, Habitat for Humanity calls on global leaders to recognize and support housing, particularly in informal settlements, as a powerful tool in addressing both climate adaptation and mitigation challenges. By investing in housing solutions, countries can progress towards achieving their climate objectives while fostering more resilient, sustainable and equitable communities.
For more information on Habitat for Humanity’s report, “Housing and Informal Settlements Content in Nationally Determined Contributions,” or the COP event, please visit our website or contact [email protected].
About Habitat for Humanity
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.