Climate Change and Homelessness: Understanding the Connection

Climate change, like most natural disasters, impacts the vulnerable in the community with the homeless, or near-homeless, being the most vulnerable. This intersection of climate change impacts and homelessness is a critical issue that demands attention. The recently launched, Climate Change and Homelessness Research Project Report delves into this complex relationship, examining the lived experiences of homeless individuals and the multifaceted impacts of climate change on this vulnerable population.

You can download a copy of the Climate Change and Homelessness Research Project Report, produced by the Council to Homeless Persons (chp.org.au) here:

Pictured: Mark Furlong, report author

Homelessness: What is the ‘lived experience’?

Homelessness is obviously not just a lack of shelter; it is a profound experience marked by instability, insecurity, and vulnerability. The lived experience of homelessness varies widely, from rough sleeping to couch surfing, each form presenting unique challenges. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the issue has been exacerbated, with more falling victim to the inability to secure stable housing. With extreme weather or related events, heat, drought, flood, fire, or coastal storm surges, we see a greater dispersal of populations and inevitably, more people finding themselves potentially on the path to becoming homeless.

Health impacts resulting from extreme weather events

Many communities and families have already been impacted by extreme weather events across Australia, but the health impacts compounded by homelessness are severe and multifaceted. Exposure to harsh weather conditions, lack of access to healthcare, and poor living conditions contribute to a range of health issues. Poor heating, inadequate shelter, and other risks are exacerbated by climate change, leading to deteriorating physical and mental health among homeless populations.

The problem is on the rise

Quantifying homelessness is challenging due to its transient nature. However, the incidence of homelessness has been on the rise, driven by economic instability, rising rent prices, and the direct impacts of climate change. Individuals and families are increasingly finding themselves without a place to call home.

Homelessness is not confined to any single location; it is a widespread issue. From urban environments to rural areas, the distribution of homelessness varies. Indigenous communities in northern regions face extreme heat and drought, exacerbating their already precarious living conditions. Environmental degradation and climate change have made traditional lands uninhabitable, forcing many into homelessness.

The face of homelessness is diverse. It includes individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances. Many are living in marginal and insecure housing, while others are in housing poverty or living in poverty itself. Homelessness is a continuum, with many just a step away from losing their homes due to economic and environmental pressures.

Community, vulnerability, and the impact of climate

Understanding the community’s vulnerability is crucial in addressing homelessness. Many communities spend the majority of their funding on responding to disasters rather than planning and prevention. The lack of resilience makes them more susceptible to the impacts of climate change.

Practical approaches and case studies

The report emphasises the importance of practical approaches and value of using case studies. By examining recent extreme weather events, such as floods and heatwaves, we can identify effective responses and strategies that can have a significant impact on reducing homelessness.

Raising awareness and funding for local community initiatives is essential. Urban environments are particularly affected by climate change, and resourcing rooming facilities adequately to address issues like rain, mold, and health problems is crucial.

Informing the future

The report aims to highlight the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the intersection of climate change and homelessness. By raising awareness, securing funding, and implementing practical solutions, we can make a significant impact on the lives of homeless individuals and communities affected by climate change.

Stephen Farrell from Spatial Vision, was a member of the steering committee for this research work undertaken by Doctor Mark Furlong. In performing this role, Stephen drew on his work in supporting the South East Councils Climate Change Alliance (SECCCA) in its project to enhance the resilience of communities to climate change.

To find out more about the Council to Homeless Persons (CHP) and provide support, visit: https://chp.org.au/

Climate change and its impacts on homelessness

Climate change manifests in various forms, each impacting homeless populations differently. The report identifies the following expressions of climate change:

  • Heat

    Extreme heat poses significant risks to homeless individuals, who often lack access to adequate cooling and hydration. Heat stress can lead to heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses, and is the leading cause of weather-related deaths

  • Coastal Inundation & Flooding

    Rising sea levels and more frequent heavy rains lead to greater flooding, displacing communities and destroying homes. Homeless individuals are particularly vulnerable, as they often lack the resources to evacuate or rebuild. Flooding not only destroys homes but also disrupts essential services, making recovery difficult. Homeless populations face increased risk of injury, illness, and death during and after flood events.  Insurance premiums are also becoming beyond the reach of many, with some properties uninsurable, particularly in more flood prone areas. It’s in these more flood prone areas that more vulnerable groups with lower resources often live due to cheaper land and house prices.

  • Fire

    Wildfires destroy homes and communities, leaving many without shelter. The aftermath of such disasters often results in homelessness due to the loss of housing and disruption of services. And again, insurance is becoming increasing difficult or impossible for some.

  • Drought

    Droughts lead to water scarcity, affecting agriculture and livelihoods. Communities dependent on these resources are forced to move, experience loss of income streams or change in employment status, all of which can result in homelessness or poverty.

  • Storm

    Severe storms cause widespread damage, displacing many and leading to a rise in homelessness. The destruction of infrastructure and homes leaves vulnerable populations with few options for shelter.

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Enhancing climate resilience

The South East Councils Climate Change Alliance (SECCCA) engaged Spatial Vision to undertake an asset vulnerability assessment on selected assets and a financial review to assist member councils in better understanding and planning for the likely impacts of anticipated climate change.

If you’d like to talk to us about building resilience for vulnerable communities, please get in touch.