The current focus on decarbonizing humanitarian operations is on reducing the use of fossil sources of carbon. As range of programs and projects focused on decarbonizing humanitarian assistance, there is a significant depth of support available to field operations in developing and implementing decarbonization actions.

Progress has been made at several levels in this effort, including expanding the use of solar energy for humanitarian facilities and providing solar powered NFIs. However, there remains a need to expand access to tools, techniques and support, particularly in terms of localizing decarbonization efforts. To this end, the session will:

1. Summarize programs, tools and guidance on decarbonizing shelter and settlements assistance, and

2. Brainstorm on plans and mechanisms to improve access to shelter and settlements-focused decarbonization capacities by humanitarian field staff.

An underlying justification for the session was a push to move from paper (reports) to action. To more actively engage humanitarian partners operating at the field level, the Global Shelter Cluster will invite country-level Shelter Cluster partners and others to attend the session and participate in a question-and-answer session following presentations on programs, tools and guidance. Discussions will also consider the difference between decarbonizing humanitarian assistance – replacing kerosene lamps with solar lamps- and decarbonizing humanitarian organizations – going from hydrocarbon generators to solar power.

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