Matt Thomas, Fellow
Matt Thomas
Rapidly exploring future humanitarian impacts ...

Two years of huge emergency after huge emergency - from the Covid-19 pandemic’s various variants to evacuations from Afghanistan and a series of storms battering the UK - our people are tired, yet the need for humanitarian aid continues to grow. And then the Ukraine crisis boiled over.

We have always struggled to plan for the many uncertainties the future may bring, but the massive disruptions of the last couple of years made us realise that grappling with uncertainty is not an option.

The British Red Cross’s Strategic Insight and Foresight team has been developing a way to rapidly construct scenarios about the future, helping our teams get a sense of likely people’s short-term and longer-term humanitarian needs, as well as the potential ripple effects caused by a crisis.

Rapidly exploring future humanitarian impacts of the Ukraine conflict

Guest Blog

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The future of humanitarian NGOs: implementing a risk management framework

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The future of humanitarian NGOs: implementing a risk management framework

NGOs today need modernized structures and governance to remain effective and competitive. A proactive approach to risk management—covering identification, assessment, mitigation, and monitoring of risks like cybersecurity, climate change, and ESG factors—is essential for resilience. Governance within ESG is especially vital for sustainable financing. Transparency and compliance, alongside skills in strategic planning and risk management, strengthen reputation and stakeholder trust. As NGOs adapt to a rapidly changing environment, a tailored risk management approach helps ensure operational stability, financial health, and the continued effectiveness of their missions amidst complex global challenges.

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The struggle between Growth and Natural Conservation in the Global South

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The struggle between Growth and Natural Conservation in the Global South

This article delves into the critical tension between economic development and environmental preservation in some of the world's most vulnerable regions. By analyzing recent trends and leveraging strategic foresight, we provide a comprehensive overview of potential future scenarios and their implications. This piece for professionals and academics interested in understanding the evolving dynamics of sustainable development. Whether you are seeking to stay ahead of the curve or simply broaden your knowledge, this article offers valuable insights and actionable takeaways.

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Encrucijadas en el Sur Global: La lucha entre crecimiento y la conservación natural

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Encrucijadas en el Sur Global: La lucha entre crecimiento y la conservación natural

El artículo aborda la tensión crítica entre el desarrollo económico y la preservación ambiental en algunas de las regiones más vulnerables del mundo. Analizando las tendencias recientes y utilizando la prospectiva estratégica, se ofrece una visión integral de posibles escenarios futuros y sus implicaciones. Esta pieza es una lectura para quienes están interesados en comprender la dinámica evolutiva del desarrollo sostenible.

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Futures of Mobility in Mexico City

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Futures of Mobility in Mexico City

The "Doble Hoy No Circula" initiative has been an important measure to mitigate air quality within Mexico City's Comprehensive Program Against Atmospheric Pollution (PICCA). This measure was implemented as an urgent response to the growing air quality crisis. It current model began in 2014, aiming to restrict the use of private vehicles on specific days to reduce pollutant emissions and improve public health. In a megacity like Mexico City, where mobility and pollution are interconnected, policies like this affect not only the environment but also the health and well-being of its inhabitants.

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Futuros de la Movilidad en la Ciudad de México

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Futuros de la Movilidad en la Ciudad de México

El programa "Doble Hoy No Circula" ha sido una medida ambiental significativa en la Ciudad de México. Esta fue implementada como una respuesta urgente a la creciente crisis de calidad del aire. Inició en 2014 buscando restringir el uso de vehículos particulares en días específicos para así poder reducir las emisiones contaminantes y mejorar la salud pública. En una megaciudad como lo es la Ciudad de México, donde la movilidad y la contaminación están conectadas, las políticas como esta no solo afectan al medio ambiente sino también la salud y el bienestar de sus habitantes. La pregunta central planteada en este artículo es: ¿Qué impacto ha tenido el programa “Doble Hoy No Circula” en la calidad del aire y la movilidad en la Ciudad de México, y cómo podría evolucionar en el futuro para anticipar un escenario más sustentable?

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The aid sector needs a new model

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The aid sector needs a new model

Aid is at a critical juncture.

The coronavirus pandemic is just the latest in a series of crises that have tested the logic behind our interventions; questioned our management abilities; and interrogated whether our values are truly just and transformative.

There are renewed calls for aid to change. But it seems most of it are tweaks to an inherently broken system, instead of a real pause and reflection to the very nature of our work.

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Venezuelan migrants in Colombia: Is humanitarian aid enough?

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Venezuelan migrants in Colombia: Is humanitarian aid enough?

Considering the large numbers of migrants, plus the already existent vulnerable population in Colombia, a solely humanitarian approach clearly falls short. There must be a bridge between humanitarian affairs and development. In that way, the migrants will improve their access to basic services, hence a better life, and at the same time, the host country and community will experience the positive effects coming from migration.

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Aid in the Tech Era

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Aid in the Tech Era

The last century has been characterised by the advancement and spread of technology. The reach and adoption, particularly of information and communication technology (ICT) saw a sharp rise in the 1990s and has grown exponentially since. Leonie LeBorgne and Matthew Williams ask: are Aid Organisations ready to respond to a growing and dangerous digital divide?

The future awaits.