The use of climate information in humanitarian relief efforts: a literature review

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a systematic literature review of the state-of-the-art applications of climate information in humanitarian relief efforts, to further the knowledge of how climate science can be better integrated into the decision-making process of humanitarian supply chains.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review was conducted using a combination of key search terms developed from both climate science and humanitarian logistics literature. Articles from four major databases were retrieved, reduced and analyzed.FindingsThe study illustrates the status of application of climate information in humanitarian work, and identifies usability, collaboration and coordination as three key themes.Originality/valueBy delivering an overview of the current applications and challenges of climate information, this literature review proposes a three-phase conceptual framework.