Preparing emergency services for operations in a climate-challenged world: Summary report

This paper focusses on the capacity of Emergency management services (EMS) agencies to adapt and be prepared for futures where the changing climate will influence the services they deliver, and how they deliver those services. This research project was designed to help the sector to better prepare for these futures and take action to more quickly adapt as it unfolds, and importantly take action to shape the future in ways that reduce the risks of the hazards ahead. 

The aim of this project is for organizations within the EMS, is to apply these scenarios, separately and perhaps collaboratively with others, to examine their current thinking, challenge existing assumptions, test and strengthen their strategic and operational planning in an uncertain and climate-challenged world. This report helps to build the sector’s understanding and capabilities in scenario development and in scenario use and application. The project has not only strengthened the scenario thinking capability of the participants across a range of agencies, but secured positive support and endorsement from the scenario team who can continue to share and apply the project methods across the EMS.