Habitat for Humanity Malawi has joined Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, to emphasize the critical connection between housing, loss and damage, and climate resilience. At the global conference, HFHI is advocating for housing to be recognized as a frontline defense against climate change.
As climate change intensifies, its impacts—ranging from extreme weather events to rising sea levels—pose significant challenges to housing accessibility and affordability. These effects are particularly devastating for low-income families in Malawi, especially in informal settlements, who contribute the least to carbon emissions yet bear the brunt of climate risks.
To address these challenges, Habitat for Humanity Malawi is partnering with local governments, communities, and civil society to implement sustainable housing solutions tailored to the unique climate risks facing vulnerable Malawians.
At a COP29 side event co-hosted by Habitat for Humanity, UN-Habitat, and United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), Habitat Malawi’s Advocacy Coordinator, Chrispin Chavula, highlighted the need for stronger global advocacy on loss and damage. He emphasized the importance of empowering local and regional governments to develop effective, context-specific responses.
Through its Home Equals advocacy campaign, Habitat Malawi is driving equitable access to adequate housing in informal settlements, framing housing as a cornerstone of climate resilience, social equity, and economic well-being. Chavula also urged the Malawi government to prioritize housing in its climate policies, such as the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which outline the country’s strategies for reducing emissions and adapting to climate change.
This call aligns with findings in a recent Habitat for Humanity report, which revealed that housing is often overlooked in climate strategies, despite its pivotal role in building resilience.
For more details, refer to the NDCs report by Habitat for Humanity.