Local Responses to a Global Problem: How the Police Can Improve Planning and Preparation for the Consequences of Climate Change

Practitioners and leaders from various levels of emergency and contingency planning highlighted 4 key areas of concern with respect to their preparedness to manage the consequences of climate change: awareness of climate change impacts, why the police should care, levels of prioritization and preparation, and enabling and impeding factors to preparedness. Challenges were identified for effective planning and preparedness including a narrow focus on legal requirements and specified climate-related risks (e.g., flooding and drought), short-term planning cycles, lack of funding and resources, and inadequate strategic vision and leadership. Numerous recommendations emerged from the research: review and redefine planning parameters, enhance central government engagement, increase awareness of the scope of climate-related threats, prioritize future-oriented thinking and leadership, consider ethical implications for communities, and engage in collaborative planning and scenario testing on broader climate-related threats.