Emergency management in a changing climate

J Emerg Manag. 2019 Nov/Dec;17(6):487-495. doi: 10.5055/jem.2019.0441.

Abstract

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has removed the words "climate change" from its 2018-2022 strategic plan. The new plan does not mention climate, global warming, sea-level rise, extreme weather, or any other terminology associated with scientific projections of rising surface temperatures and their effects. Yet, as a direct result of climate change, it can be demonstrated that overall weather patterns have changed and extreme weather has become more common. This essay, based on what peer-reviewed climate science has already clearly demonstrated, makes the case that climate change is a critical variable for emergency managers to factor into their work. As such, it seeks to answer two basic questions. Why is climate change a growing concern for emergency managers? Exactly what should they do about it?

MeSH terms

  • Climate Change*
  • Disaster Planning / organization & administration*
  • Federal Government
  • Forecasting
  • Government Agencies*
  • Humans
  • United States
  • United States Environmental Protection Agency
  • Weather*