Emergency management in a changing climate

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?