Emergency managers play a crucial role in preparing for, responding to, mitigating, and recovering from natural disasters and emergencies. With climate impacts becoming more frequent and unpredictable, this responsibility is more challenging than ever. Josh DeVincenzo, Assistant Director for Education and Training at the National Center for Disaster Preparedness (NCDP) at Columbia Climate School, is conducting research to understand how emergency managers view climate change and its impact on their work.
Through interviews, surveys, and assessments, DeVincenzo aims to gauge the current mindset of U.S. emergency managers regarding sustainability and climate change. His goal is to identify a path for comprehensive training and education that will be meaningful for both emergency managers and climate experts in the future.
Key findings from the research revealed the importance of tailoring climate education to specific focus areas within emergency management, such as preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. Despite differing beliefs about the causes of climate change, emergency managers recognize the effects and are committed to supporting their communities. The study highlighted the need for resources and practical tools to integrate climate literacy into daily emergency management operations.
DeVincenzo hopes that these insights will lead to more effective training programs and fruitful collaboration between emergency management professionals and climate experts. The findings may also be beneficial for other organizations looking to enhance their understanding of climate change and its implications. Ultimately, the goal is to create a framework for impactful climate literacy education that can be applied not only to emergency management but also to a wider audience interested in climate resilience.
