Vision
For communities around the world to be safe, healthy, resilient, and prepared to address the complex social, environmental, and public safety challenges associated with climate change.
Mission
The Climate Change and Public Safety SIG advances knowledge, collaboration, and action at the intersection of climate change, environment, public safety, public health, community well-being, resilience, and justice.
The SIG serves as a global platform connecting researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders to better understand climate-related safety risks and develop integrated, evidence-informed, and equitable responses.
Scope of Work
The SIG will explore the intersections between climate change and:
Public Safety
• Crime and victimization
• Violence and social disorder
• Emergency management and disaster response
• Critical infrastructure disruptions
• Community resilience and preparedness
Public Health
• Physical health, such as the impacts of extreme heat
• Mental health and psychosocial impacts
• Substance use and addiction
• Climate-related health inequities
• Occupational safety and health
• Health and first responder system preparedness
Environmental Harms
• Environmental and wildlife crime
• Organized crime and illicit economies
• Fraud and other crime targeting the green transition
Community Safety and Well-Being
• Social cohesion and trust
• Social determinants of safety
• Population displacement
• Housing instability and homelessness
Climate Justice and Vulnerability
• Disproportionate impacts on vulnerable populations
• Indigenous perspectives and knowledge
• Equity-centred adaptation strategies
• Human security and climate migration
• Community-led resilience
Governance and Resilience
• Resilient democratic governance
• Free expression and democratic policing
• Climate adaptation planning
• Cross-sector collaboration
• Integrated governance models
• Urban resilience strategies
• Information ecosystem (mis- and disinformation)
• Evidence-informed policy development
Membership
Membership is open to individuals and organizations interested in the intersection of climate change and public safety, including:
• Law enforcement, first responder, and criminal justice professionals
• Public health practitioners
• Emergency management professionals
• Community safety practitioners
• Urban planners
• Climate adaptation and resilience professionals
• Social service providers
• Researchers and academics
• Municipal, regional, and national government representatives
• International organizations
• Community organizations and civil society groups
The SIG welcomes participation from practitioners, researchers, and community stakeholders, and seeks to foster collaboration across sectors, disciplines, and geographic regions.
Strategic Objectives (2026–2028)
1. Build a Global Network
Create an international community of practice focused on climate change and public safety.
2. Advance Knowledge and Understanding
Develop a shared understanding of how climate change affects public safety, community well-being, and public health.
3. Promote Integrated Responses
Identify and share promising practices, policies, governance approaches, and interventions.
4. Support Collaboration and Innovation
Facilitate partnerships, pilot projects, research collaborations, and funding opportunities.
5. Influence Policy and Practice
Elevate climate change and public safety as an emerging field of practice and policy internationally.
Long-Term Aspiration
The Climate Change and Public Safety SIG will become a leading international platform for advancing research, policy, and practice at the intersection of climate change, public safety, public health, resilience, and community well-being, while supporting safer, healthier, more resilient and equitable communities worldwide.