Earlier I wrote about how to talk about our role without trying to alienate climate change deniers, see Climate Adaptation and Consequence Management.
In my mind, I've been trying to sort out the difference between climate adaptation and disaster mitigation. Are they the same? If they are different, what is that difference?
This past week I've sorted it out (for my own thinking) this way: For climate change, we as an emergency management profession are responsible for climate adaptation by employing disaster mitigation strategies.
Be sure and say "disaster mitigation" and not just "mitigation" since those familiar with the climate change topic might think we're delving into reducing carbon emissions, which is not our role.
I've already seen people wanting to add disaster response and preparedness activities to the mix. Which I think would dilute our disaster mitigation responsibilities. And, truly, if we are going to have an impact on climate adaption it will be a disaster mitigation focus.
