A Climate Change Paradigm and Its Effects on Emergency Operations Center Decision-Making Process

The correlation between climate change and its impacts on hurricane risk has also impacted the decision-making process of emergency managers, Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs), and elected officials at every level of government. This correlation between meteorologists, for example, and multi-jurisdictional cooperation at all levels of government drives decision-making for all within the context of hurricane risk. This paradigm has been reflected in case studies and training to enhance the capability of professionals using emergency decision-making processes with ever-developing disasters while maintaining working capability under mental distress. The findings in this chapter are intended to identify hurricane risk through the lens of climate change and introduce its impacts on emergency management professionals and managers operating in the ever-evolving disaster management space. This understanding of the complexities of disaster and emergency decision-making not only has to improve for the practitioner continuously but also be translatable and understood by the elected officials who grant delegation of authority (DOA), that provide resources and personnel and finally impacts the ability and capability of Emergency Management Departments (EMDs) and organizations within their jurisdiction. Improving the decision-making process and supporting the whole community and its stakeholders promotes safety, reduces loss of life, and enhances EOC operations at various levels.