Green Emergency Response 

Building a faster, greener, and more lasting humanitarian response.

We are living in a new era of crisis. Across the globe, the number of emergencies triggered by both climate and conflict is rising fast. In 2023 alone, more than 44 million people were affected by 249 weather-related disasters. Displaced communities, lost livelihoods, and damaged ecosystems are becoming the norm, not the exception.

If humanitarian aid continues as before, fast but not sustainable, we will save lives today and harm the planet tomorrow. Saving lives can no longer harm the planet. Without change, response costs will rise, emissions will grow, and future crises will become even more severe. 

The future we want

By 2050, humanitarian operations have become green by default. Every response uses renewable energy, circular systems and is built to protect both people and the planet. Emergency supplies are produced locally, transport is low-carbon, and communities lead their own recovery.

In the wake of crises, we build back greener. Solar-powered systems, modular shelters made from renewable materials, and locally produced aid supplies. The humanitarian sector is no longer just reactive - it is resilient, low-carbon, locally driven, and ready for the next wave of crises.

Our solution: Green Emergency Response

Green Emergency Response ensures that every act of aid is as fast, effective, and climate-smart as possible; saving lives while reducing emissions and protecting nature.

A future where every emergency response saves lives and protects the planet, delivering aid that is rapid, renewable, and responsible.

Across Jordan, Ukraine, Yemen, and Sudan, CARE Denmark and partners integrate renewable energy, local leadership, and circular supply chains. In Jordan’s Azraq refugee camp, for example, hydroponic food production replaces imported goods, cutting transport emissions while improving nutrition. These innovations prove that aid can be both immediate and sustainable.

How we do it

CARE Denmark acts as a pioneer in climate-smart humanitarian action, combining speed, sustainability, and local leadership. .

• Greening delivery: We cut carbon across logistics by replacing diesel transport and single-use relief items with renewable energy and circular systems. 
• Greening what we deliver: From modular shelters built with sustainable materials to cash assistance instead of carbon-heavy supplies, we deliver relief that empowers people and protects the planet. 
• Early recovery and resilience: Each response transitions into greener rebuilding - linking relief to solar water systems, regenerative farming, and small business recovery. 
• Local action: Local partners lead the response, ensuring relevance, ownership, and long-term impact.