Abstract: Climate related disasters such as heatwaves and floods increase in Europe, thus actors such as civil society organizations (CSOs) have reason to adapt their work in support of populations.

This case study looks at the Disaster Risk Management related work of two CSOs; Spanish Red Cross and Swedish Red Cross as they have auxiliary, supporting roles to their respective state authorities before, during and after disasters. Through their staff and volunteers, they reach people in vulnerable situations in a principled way. They also advocate towards authorities to drive improvements when gaps in basic services, participation, and inclusion are identified. 

I explore the following research problem: Given the anticipated increase in floods and heatwaves in urban cities in Europe; how are the Spanish and Swedish Red Cross working to reach people with support before, during and after disasters?

Focus of the study is on work in urban areas. Method; mainly literature review and semi-structured interviews. 

Findings include that the studied CSOs see the importance of: investing in capacity enhancement to build sense of urgency, common approach and diversity across the own Red Cross organizations, understanding that community trust-building takes time, using flexible approaches to reach different target groups and partnerships, ensuring coordination with stakeholders to provide good service, fight misinformation and advocate for investments related to climate change related disaster preparedness. These learnings have potential to influence other Red Cross or Red Crescent National Societies, but potentially also other CSOs and the authorities they collaborate with.