When people think of climate change, they often imagine rising seas, bushfires, or floods. But increasingly, the frontlines of our climate emergency are less obvious — and one of them wears a badge.

Policing, by design, responds to risk. Climate disruption accelerates that stretch beyond traditional policing models. How do you enforce the law in a heatwave when infrastructure fails? How do you protect the public when climate-driven disasters become the norm, not the exception?

Working with emergency services and police, I’ve seen firsthand how our systems are grappling with these questions. Our infrastructure wasn’t built to withstand extreme heat that we now see more often, and with more severe consequences. Response plans don’t always account for multiple overlapping crises — like a flood during a power outage, or a bushfire threatening critical assets. And often, those who bear the brunt of these disasters are the same communities who’ve long faced over-policing and under-resourcing.

This isn’t just a matter of operational preparedness — it’s a matter of justice.

We need a new lens.

One that recognises climate change as a threat multiplier.

One that understands public safety through the lens of community resilience, not just enforcement.

And one that sees policing as part of a wider system — one that must adapt, de-escalate, and collaborate in radically new ways.

In my work, that’s meant developing climate risk maps for justice precincts. Building emissions reduction plans that also consider heat health and bushfire risk. Helping police think beyond carbon accounting and toward cultural and physical resilience. It’s not easy — but it’s necessary.

Because as the planet warms, so do the tensions. And if we don’t evolve our models of public safety, we risk failing the very people we’re meant to protect.

We can do better. We can reimagine justice for a changing climate — one that centres care, capability, and long-term survival.

Want to dive deeper into climate risk and adaptation in policing and emergency services?

Find Out More

• Climate Risk Map of Australia
  Explore localised climate threats across Australia — from extreme heat to bushfire risk.
  Visit the Climate Risk Map
• Greater London Climate Risk Map
  Developed by the Greater London Authority, this interactive tool shows how climate change could affect neighbourhoods across the capital.
  Explore London’s Climate Risk Map
• Scotland’s Guide to Building Resilience to Natural Hazards
  A practical government guide focused on preparing public services, infrastructure, and communities for the impacts of natural hazards.
  Read the Guide
• Los Angeles Earthquake Retrofit Risk Map
  An interactive map showing which buildings in LA may be at risk during seismic events — a key example of how cities can visualise structural vulnerability.
  Explore the Map
• Infrastructure Victoria – Weathering the Storm
  A landmark report on how Victoria’s infrastructure systems must adapt to heat, floods, and climate disruption.
  Read the Report