As engineers, we’re trained to build structures that withstand external forces. But what happens when climate-change-induced disasters become more frequent and severe? It’s time to expand our capacity and knowledge to tackle new climate changes that are challenging our built environment and humanity.

Climate change is reshaping our world with every passing season. The impact is devastating in low- and middle-income countries where the built environment and homes often are most vulnerable. Floods wash away entire communities. Heatwaves turn houses into ovens. Major hurricanes and earthquakes reduce years of construction to rubble. Landslides and erosion threaten the very foundations of our neighborhoods. Air pollution chokes our cities, while droughts parch our landscapes.

Help PREPARE

We recognize the urgent need for a global response to this crisis. However, we’ve identified a critical gap: the absence of a comprehensive knowledge-sharing base of cost-effective and innovative solutions that can be readily shared, accessed and implemented worldwide. To address this, we’ve launched the Challenge for Climate Resilient Housing Solutions in support of the USAID’s President’s Emergency Plan for Adaptation and Resilience (PREPARE).

This initiative aims to crowdsource and showcase innovative, affordable methods for enhancing housing resilience against a wide range of climate-related hazards. We’re creating a global coalition to build understanding about the potential of Indigenous practices and global technological advances to boost resilience.

Engineers have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to shape the future. We can design homes that protect people from hurricanes, earthquakes, extreme temperatures and air pollution. We can build communities that stand firm against landslides, erosion and coastal degradation. We can create urban environments that manage water intelligently.

Stay Focused

Our challenge focuses on three key areas:

1. How We Build: We’re seeking case studies on innovative housing designs, structures and construction techniques that enhance climate resilience. This includes sustainable material choices, climate-responsive designs and affordable retrofit methods for existing housing stock. We’re particularly interested in indigenous practices and vernacular construction that boost resilience.

2. How We Co-Exist: We’re looking for solutions that integrate resilient infrastructure with housing development. This includes climate-proofing urban services, ecosystem-based adaptation strategies, and nature-based solutions that strengthen both housing and supporting infrastructure.

3. How We Decide: We want to showcase enabling policies, regulations and governance frameworks that support climate-resilient housing development. This includes building codes, zoning regulations and housing finance mechanisms as well as stakeholder engagement and capacity-development initiatives.

But we can’t do it alone. We need your expertise, creativity and local knowledge. Whether you’re working on passive cooling systems in Senegal or flood-resistant foundations in Vietnam, we want to hear from you.

Action Where Needed Most

This platform isn’t just about sharing ideas—it’s about catalyzing action. By bringing together solutions from across the globe, we can accelerate the adoption of climate-resilient housing practices. We can help communities, UN agencies, governments and NGOs implement proven strategies more quickly and efficiently. We can empower local communities with the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves.

Our initiative, aligned with USAID PREPARE’s objectives, focuses on low- and middle-income countries where the need is most pressing. We’re seeking innovations that are both accessible and affordable, ranging from low-cost solutions of $1,000 to $5,000 per house to moderate interventions up to $20,000 per house.

The challenges posed by climate change are complex and far-reaching, but so is our capacity for innovation and collaboration. By pooling our expertise and resources, we can develop housing solutions that not only withstand climate-related threats but also enhance the quality of life for residents worldwide.

We invite you to join us at innovate.miyamotointernational.com (or scan the accompanying QR code) and contribute to this USAID PREPARE-supported initiative. Your insights and innovations could be the key to unlocking more resilient, sustainable communities across the globe. Together, we can turn the tide on climate vulnerability and create a more secure future for all.