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How Does Climate Adaptation Affect Emergency Management?

  • Jonathan W. Gaddy , Elizabeth Clark and Jeffrey R. Ryan EMAIL logo
Published/Copyright: June 19, 2014

Abstract

Recent reports from credible research groups suggest that climate change is a reality. The steady rise in extreme weather events over the past decade represents the leading edge of climate change. Climate-induced interactions within and between the natural environment and our human and constructed systems will not only exacerbate existing vulnerabilities but will create new ones. Emergency managers at all levels need to plan and prepare for climate adaptation challenges, which should enable communities to successfully weather the storm. The ability to adapt to the coming changes is dependent upon the actions we take today to create resilience and sustainability. Leaving aside the issue of causation, this paper discusses the implications of climate change for emergency mangers by examining predicted impacts, exploring barriers to action, and concluding with strategies for moving forward.


Corresponding author: Jeffrey R. Ryan, Jacksonville State University-Emergency Management 100 Gamecock Drive Anniston, AL 36205, USA, Tel.: 2567828334, e-mail:

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    Plans reviewed: US Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, State, and Transportation.

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Published Online: 2014-6-19

©2014 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin/Boston

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