By Joyce Nyaboga, Senior Network Development Adviser (Design and Infrastructure), Start Network, UK

Growing up in Mombasa, Kenya’s beautiful coastal city, I became familiar with heat in all its forms from a young age. The sun was a constant presence, growing stronger as the day went on. High temperatures defined our lives, so we always found ways to cope, such as scheduling playtime in the early mornings and late evenings. We adapted to the heat and developed our own coping mechanisms, clothing, light, breathable and modest, and commonly referred to as ‘deras’. Over time, communities have adapted further with the advancing technology, though these are not within the reach of many. Those who can afford it have installed air conditioning or at least a fan; the architectural design of most houses reflects this adaptability.

To us, this was normal. We didn’t call it climate change. We just called it life.

In 2005, I worked as a frontline humanitarian worker at Dadaab, one of the world’s largest refugee camps. Dadaab exposed me to a level of heat that I had never experienced before and to which I had to adapt. Daytime temperatures often reached 40°C (104°F), and the dry, arid landscape offered no respite. Unlike the humid heat of Mombasa, Dadaab’s climate felt harsher. Rainfall was scarce. The water supply was limited. For the thousands of refugees who had fled conflict and famine, adapting to this environment was not just about comfort — it was about survival. The intensification of heat and its impact on water scarcity and droughts across the globe is heart-breaking. The 2011 drought in the Horn of Africa is just one example of this that I witnessed first-hand as a humanitarian worker. My work on the front line across this region revealed how extreme heat acts as a silent amplifier, turning failed rains into humanitarian collapse.

Drawing on my personal experience, I recognise that, while communities can adapt, there are limits. A humanitarian crisis caused by heat requires a multifaceted approach, drawing on traditional methods, science, and technology. There is a threshold beyond which adaptation becomes difficult or even dangerous. While architectural, clothing and behavioural changes can help, survival becomes fragile when water runs out or food cannot be grown.

The long-term goal should be to build community resilience through locally led action. Anticipatory action is critical. It can help communities prepare, alleviate crises and build resilience. Communities affected by extreme heat must make the most of their local environment.

Local stakeholders are well placed to lead discussions on heat and its impact. While climate change is a global issue, it should also be considered locally, enabling communities to reflect on changes and their cumulative impact and to develop sustainable solutions together.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this piece are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of AIDMI.