Responding to the Climate Crisis The Future Role of Blue-Light Services in Extreme Weather Events

02 Jul 2026
Theatre 1
Collaboration & Interoperability , Current & Emerging Challenges
Wildfires, floods, extreme heat, and severe storms are no longer exceptional—they are becoming the new operational norm. This session looks at how climate-driven emergencies are reshaping the role, scale, and expectations of blue-light services. The speakers will explore what this means for preparedness, inter-agency collaboration, training, equipment, and long-term strategy. From rising demand to new risk profiles, the discussion will challenge delegates to consider how services must evolve to remain effective in a future defined by climate volatility.
Chairperson
Pete Wakefield
Pete Wakefield, Founder - Fire Fighters Podcast
Speakers
Air Vice-Marshal (retd) Fin Monahan OBE, DFC
Air Vice-Marshal (retd) Fin Monahan OBE, DFC, Chief Fire Officer - South Wales
Phil Garrigan
Phil Garrigan, Chair - National Fire Chiefs' Council
Rowena Hill
Rowena Hill, Professor of Resilience - Emergencies and Disaster Science at Nottingham Trent University