CCOUC Explores Earthen Housing and Climate Adaptation in Anniversary Research Seminar

As part of its 15th anniversary celebrations, the Collaborating Centre for Oxford University and CUHK for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response (CCOUC), in collaboration with the Centre for Global Health (CGH), hosted a research seminar titled “Earthen Housing for Climate Adaptation: Friend or Foe?” on 22 May 2026 at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). The seminar featured Ms Sharon Chow, affiliated with CCOUC and Cambridge Public Health at the University of Cambridge, and was moderated by Dr Chunlan Guo of CCOUC.

Drawing on research in ageing rural communities in Gansu, China, Ms Chow explored the potential of traditional earthen housing to support climate adaptation and protect residents from cold stress. Taking a systems perspective, the seminar examined the complex relationships between housing conditions, residents’ behaviours, climate and health, as well as the factors influencing villagers’ decisions about health-related interventions.

A key focus of the presentation was that earthen housing is neither inherently inferior nor superior to other housing types. Its capacity to protect residents’ health depends on multiple interacting factors, including the integrity of the building envelope, socio-economic conditions, behavioural adaptations and age-related vulnerabilities. These considerations highlighted the need to assess housing interventions within their specific environmental, cultural and economic contexts.

Conducted in a hybrid format, the seminar provided an opportunity for academic exchange on the intersection of housing, climate adaptation and public health. The discussion underscored the importance of developing climate-resilient and equitable housing strategies that are age-sensitive, culturally grounded and responsive to the needs and economic realities of rural communities.

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