Europe’s cities are heating up. The floods come faster. The nights stay hotter. And those most vulnerable are often the first to suffer — and the last to recover.

Climate change isn’t just transforming our landscapes. It’s transforming how we think about humanitarian work itself (read more on how climate change is reshaping humanitarian action). What does it really mean to reach the most vulnerable? What does it require of us, as civil society actors, when institutions falter and communities lose trust?

For my recent research, I explored these questions through a comparative case study of the Spanish and Swedish Red Cross. Both National Societies are responding to a new reality where urban heatwaves and floods are no longer future scenarios but present challenges. While their starting points differ — Spain with more frequent disasters, Sweden with a broader preparedness mindset — their journeys highlight trends shaping the future of humanitarian action in Europe (see Global Challenge 2: Evolving Crisis and Disasters).

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Disasters as Accelerators of Change

One clear lesson: disasters accelerate change — inside organizations as much as outside. In Spain, repeated floods, heatwaves, and fires have forced the Red Cross to become faster, more agile, more connected to the communities they serve. New policies, partnerships, and resilience programmes are taking root.

One interviewee captured this shift perfectly:

“Situations like the Dana floods… come with opportunities for change, including facilitating a sense of urgency encouraging Red Cross branches to invest in better preparedness and inclusion/representation and, if needed, to become more agile in responding to real evolving needs.”

Crises reveal gaps — but they also open doors for transformation. They push us to rethink not only how we work, but who we work with and for.

Trust is the Currency of Preparedness

Trust emerged as a red thread through my research. Without trust, no amount of planning, technology, or resources can reach those who most need support. In Spain, the Red Cross emphasized the years of steady, sometimes invisible work it takes to build trust with communities. In Sweden, trust is generally high but fragile — particularly in areas where marginalized groups feel unseen by institutions.

“It takes years of close collaboration with communities to build trust, at the same time trust can be quickly lost if the organization does not perform well.”

Trust isn’t just about service delivery. It’s about presence. Listening. Showing up before the crisis hits. And ensuring volunteers reflect the communities they serve (see how Early Warning/Early Action builds this trust).

Inclusion is Not a Project — It’s a Transformation

• Inclusion was another recurring theme. Both National Societies recognize the need to move beyond statements to systems: recruiting volunteers from diverse backgrounds, adapting communication tools, and ensuring marginalized voices shape preparedness and response efforts.
• Spanish Red Cross has taken steps to integrate inclusion more systematically through neighbourhood resilience programmes and targeted outreach. Swedish Red Cross faces challenges with an aging volunteer base and is working to engage younger, more diverse communities.
• This work isn’t easy. Inclusion requires time, resources, and a willingness to challenge our own habits. But it’s non-negotiable if we are serious about reaching those most at risk.

The Future is Local, Networked, and Accountable

• Coordination — both with authorities and within the Red Cross — emerged as crucial. Spain’s decentralized governance demands flexibility and constant relationship-building across regions. In Sweden, closer collaboration between civil society and local authorities is becoming ever more important as climate risks intensify.
• Both countries recognize that disasters create moments for advocacy and diplomacy. They offer rare openings to remind stakeholders of their responsibilities, highlight community needs, and push for investments in preparedness and inclusion.
• This is not just about filling gaps. It’s about shaping systems — and ensuring
  civil society has a seat at the table when decisions are made (explore future humanitarian models like An Unlanded Red Cross: 2050).

What This Means for Our Future

• These insights aren’t just relevant to Spain and Sweden. They reflect broader trends transforming humanitarian work globally:
  • Preparedness is relational, not just technical. It’s built on trust, inclusion, and long-term presence.
  • Organizations must evolve alongside risks. Climate change demands agility, innovation, and humility in equal measure.
  • Civil society’s role as connector and advocate is growing. We bridge gaps between communities and institutions, bringing lived experience into policy conversations.
• Transformation isn’t something we achieve once and move on from. It’s ongoing, uncomfortable, and necessary. It requires asking hard questions about our structures, our assumptions, and how we define success.

Looking Ahead: A Call to Courage

• If climate change is transforming our environment, let it transform us too — towards greater courage, creativity, and connection. Let’s not wait for the next flood or fire to force our hand.
  Let’s lead with foresight, grounded in the trust of the people we serve (see the Humanitarian Observatory’s Roadmap for 2024).
• Because in the end, humanitarian work is not just about logistics or response plans. It’s about people, relationships, and the choices we make today to shape a more inclusive, resilient tomorrow.
• Or as one of my interviewees wisely said:
• “You need to go to and speak with foras where the public is not already convinced to make a difference.”
• That’s the challenge before us. Not to preach to the choir — but to transform how we prepare, include, and act. Starting now.

Link to my Bachelor Thesis and abstract June 2025: Getting ready to reach more vulnerable : Comparing Spanish and Swedish Red Cross work in responding to increased climate related & urban disasters.