Exploring Individual and Institutional Responses to Climate Change-Induced Disasters on Homeless Population in Rawalpindi and Islamabad

Abstract

Homelessness has reached epidemic proportions in recent years due to the everincreasing number and severity of climate change-induced disasters. Pakistan has been severely affected by these disasters over the last two decades. One of the key factors causing these disasters is climate change; recent riverine floods are one example. Disasters are known to cause many negative effects, including homelessness. In Pakistan, homelessness caused by disasters has been studied before. However, the impact of severe monsoons, heatwaves, and cold waves on the existing homeless population in urban areas has not been thoroughly examined. Islamabad and Rawalpindi were selected as case study areas. The homeless population, along with non-profit organizations, was contacted to gauge how they respond to climate changeinduced disasters. We found that only marginal assistance is available to the homeless during disasters, making it extremely difficult for them to cope, especially with cold waves. Moreover, non-profit organizations are primarily trained and focused on helping those made homeless by disasters rather than the existing homeless population confronting these disasters.