The current global housing crisis poses a serious threat to the dream of owning a home for millions of young people worldwide.
From crowded urban areas to remote village corners, the struggle for decent accommodation knows no boundaries. Access to affordable and well-designed dwellings is increasingly more work, and there is no indication that this long, drawn-out battle is coming to an end anytime soon.
With this in mind, it is of utmost importance that we set out on a path to reimagine how housing should be to meet the demands of the present and future. Equity, access, and shared futures should be prioritized in this new housing paradigm.
We can't deny that the housing crisis is a problem being experienced around the world, including in some of the world’s most wealthy nations. The rising cost of constructing new homes makes the dream of owning a home unattainable for many, even as homelessness plagues cities around the world. Although the problem has been widely acknowledged, plausible solutions remain elusive, denying more people the security and stability that come from home.
According to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), over 1.8 billion people lack adequate housing globally, with millions facing forced eviction annually and an estimated 150 million individuals experiencing homelessness.1 By 2030, UN-Habitat predicts a need for 96,000 new affordable housing units daily to accommodate 3 billion people. 2
As the crisis escalates, government, nonprofit, and corporate leaders recognize the urgency of innovating new solutions to housing. Traditional models fall short, prompting the need for accessible, sustainable, and affordable alternatives. This entails a holistic evaluation of existing systems, including policy frameworks and technological interventions.
Addressing the global housing crisis requires customized solutions tailored to the unique needs and challenges on a city-by-city basis. While overarching strategies are vital, local contexts vary significantly, necessitating collaboration among local governments, community organizations, and residents to develop tailored approaches.
Image Source: Tom Rumble on Unsplash
Navigating the Sharing Economy: Exploring Collaborative Housing Models in the Digital Age
An emergent phenomenon that shows up as a new delivering model of housing is driven by the sharing economy. Millennials and Gen Z in general are openly advocating for housing as an experience rather than a possession. The rising demand is spurring the growth of collaborative housing models such as co-housing. By sharing resources and facilities, communities can save money, reduce environmental impact, and foster a sense of belonging. However, privacy concerns and the need for autonomy must be considered. Finding the right balance between individual freedom and collective well-being is essential in shared living arrangements. Coliving.com and cohousing.org provide valuable resources for anyone interested in learning about the co-housing movement, especially among Millennials and Gen Z.
Fig 1.1 Causal Layered Analysis of the Shared Housing Trend
Universal Basic Housing: A Paradigm Shift towards Housing as a Human Right
Another idea that is gaining traction is Universal Basic Housing (UBH). Like the Universal Basic Income (UBI) system, UBH is intended to give all people or households access to decent and affordable housing as a fundamental right. 3 Several states and counties in the developed world have already run pilot programs to test the efficacy of this notion with impressive results. While there are valid concerns about the implications of implementing UBH, a gradual introduction and careful regulation might minimize associated risks, ensuring everyone has a safe and comfortable place to live.
Fig 1.2 Future Wheel of the Univeral Basic Housing Trend
Criticisms of UBH
Critics of UBH contend that it could put pressure on government budgets and tip the housing market off balance. They also argue that it could increase the population’s dependence on state welfare.4 These concerns are undoubtedly valid yet they should not serve as a pretext for disregarding the consequential positives resulting from providing for housing as an elemental human right. Such a housing investment is a long-term investment in economic and social health and thus our population’s health. By providing housing, we can enhance the productivity of our population and significantly reduce the costs associated with fighting homelessness. In addition to this, the implementation of UBH can be tweaked such that it builds housing supply and attracts private investors too, while promoting individual autonomy and accountability.
Anticipating Climate Migration: Policies for Addressing Displacement in a Warming World
As climate change intensifies around the world, so does the risk of mass displacement due to environmental factors such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and desertification. According to the World Bank, an estimated 216 million people across six regions globally could be forced to relocate due to climate change by 2050.5
To prepare for the large number of climate migrants that will move to other locations in the event of a disaster, we need robust frameworks that prioritize humanitarian assistance, resettlement programs, and international collaboration. Technology plays a distinct role in assisting climate refugees, ranging from pre-warning systems for natural catastrophes to digital platforms that facilitate collaboration and coordination between governments and humanitarian agencies.
Demands Urgent Attention
In conclusion, addressing the global housing crisis demands urgent attention and collaborative efforts toward inclusive, sustainable solutions.
For professional futurists, it's imperative to view housing not merely as a commodity but as a fundamental human right – alongside one’s right to food, to water, to safety, to a basic education, etc. In your work, as you mull over the future of climate change, technology or global politics, I urge you not to forget one of our most basic needs – the need for people to have a safe place to shelter and sleep.
Bold leadership and collective action are necessary to challenge entrenched norms and pave the way for a future where everyone has access to safe and adequate housing. The time for action is now, shaping a world where housing security is a reality for all generations to come.
References
Housing Rights | UN-Habitat. (n.d.). https://unhabitat.org/programme/housing-rights
Housing | UN-Habitat. (n.d.). https://unhabitat.org/topic/housing
Move the debate from Universal Basic Income to Universal Basic. (2021, January 19). https://en.unesco.org/inclusivepolicylab/analytics/move-debate-universal-basic-income-universal-basic-services
Rector, R. (n.d.). Universal Basic Income Harms Recipients and Increases Dependence on Government | The Heritage Foundation. The Heritage Foundation. https://www.heritage.org/welfare/report/universal-basic-income-harms-recipients-and-increases-dependence-government
Climate Change Could Force 216 Million People to Migrate Within Their Own Countries by 2050. (2021, September 13). World Bank. https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2021/09/13/climate-change-could-force-216-million-people-to-migrate-within-their-own-countries-by-2050
Grace Okubo is a user experience designer, boasting over a decade of experience in crafting user-centered products and leading the design and development of software products across various sectors such as real estate, fintech, and e-commerce. Her expertise lies in seamlessly blending Design Thinking and Agile Methodologies. At the same time, her role as an educator has seen her impart essential skills to a global audience in design and product management. Trained in Ethics in Design, Design Thinking, and Foresight Methodologies, Grace consistently proposes innovative solutions to complex challenges, driven by her goal of promoting equity, inclusivity, and sustainability.
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