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Developing a climate adaptation framework for humanitarian operations

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Role: Service designer

In collaboration with: Outsight International

#Design research, #Strategic design



Background

Operational adaptation refers to the capacity to anticipate and respond to emerging climate related factors that can impact operational decisions. This requires the capacity to anticipate emergencies caused by climate change, to alleviate the negative impact of climate change on day-to-day operations in the field and to anticipate potential new scenarios triggered by climate change to guide strategic planning at an organisational level.


Recognising the challenges of pinpointing short-term climate impacts, MSF initiated an effort to assist field staff and individuals in operational and strategic roles within its operational centres. 


  

Objective

This initiative sought to empower staff to effectively identify and respond to the effects of climate change by offering a comprehensive framework. This framework was to cover the topic on a broad scale to help teams evaluate their context from a climate lens, understand what resources and possibilities are already out there, and what can be adapted towards an improved adaptation response in the short and long terms. 

Insights across the operational flow

Methodology

We started with a literature review and interviews with key stakeholders within and outside MSF to gather their experience and input on how MSF can better plan adaptation to climate change. 


As our research advanced, we systematically mapped out the key findings across operational flows, pinpointing critical junctures where adaptation measures are necessary (example on the left). This approach facilitated the identification of areas requiring immediate attention and allowed for the development of targeted adaptation strategies.


Building on these insights, we developed a draft framework designed to aid field teams and operational centres in formulating adaptation strategies while on mission.

Subsequently, we conducted two workshops to introduce and refine this framework. These workshops convened individuals in both strategic and operational roles from various operational centres. 

The first workshop focused on presenting the framework and discussing practical implications on operations. The second workshop tested the framework through applying it to certain scenarios and identified next steps after the workshop.

During the workshops, we engaged participants in applying the framework to specific scenarios across diverse contexts to evaluate its effectiveness. The scenarios tested included:· 

  • Mobile clinic and vector control activity in Honduras
  • Local hospital's paediatric ward in Madagascar
  • Mental health support and cholera treatment centres in Mozambique


The workshop provided a chance to seek feedback from participants to iteratively improve and enhance the framework.

Results:


We delivered the framework together with a report including key strategic themes and next steps that emerged from the workshops. Through the discussions in the workshops, four key themes were identified as crucial for the effectiveness of an adaptation strategy, and next steps were identified to make advances on these:


  • The availability of data and the organisation’s capacity for analysis
  • Increasing importance of community-centred approaches
  • Importance of Coordination and knowledge sharing within and beyond the organisation
  • Making the framework practical for use in the field


Image on the left: Screenshots from the framework presentation.

Stakeholders in the workshops positively embraced the framework as it provided tangible guidance for "incorporating a climate lens" into operational planning. By addressing key questions and offering insights into each aspect, along with relevant resources and initiatives, the framework offered a practical roadmap for navigating operational challenges.


While some of these questions were already integral to current operational planning, such as epidemiological patterns and vulnerabilities, the framework prompted a shift in perspective, encouraging a view beyond the immediate snapshot in time, towards contemplating long-term trends and tendencies caused by climate change.

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