Governing the Effects of Climate Change: Local policing adaptations, impacts and implications

Session Submission Type: Pre-arranged Panel

Abstract

It is now widely accepted that the climate crises presented by the Anthropocene may well be among the biggest, and perhaps the biggest, threat humankind has ever faced. Both the direct and indirect impacts of these climatic events are having far-reaching and profound effects that are changing everyday lives across the globe – with effects varying considerably across spacio-temporal contexts. These new ‘harmscapes’ have also had a direct impact on localised policing and security responses and criminological scholarship has already begun to recognise the increasing role of police, local communities and the private sector acting as first responders to climate disasters and climate-related harms. Yet there is still much to be learnt as to the ways in which everyday policing and localised responses to climate-related harms is taking place with respect to new adaptations, the impacts on current practices, and the implications for the development of new roles, mentalities and partnerships.

This panel considers the evolving nature of state and non-state policing responses to climate change impacts through a discussion on practices occurring in diverse geographic contexts, thereby engaging with northern and southern perspectives on the issue, as well as reflecting on the specific roles of public, private and community entities, whilst also acknowledging the increasing plurality of localised responses to climate harmscapes.

Subtopic

• Topic 5: Social Control and Criminal Justice / Policing and Law enforcement (Policing WG)

Chair

• Ali Malik, University of Leeds

Individual Presentations

• Private security governance responses to climate-related harmscapes - Julie Berg, University of Glasgow; Clifford Shearing, University of Cape Town

• 90 Seconds to Midnight - Capacity Building Processes for Environmental Law Enforcement during Permacrisis - Anna Matczak, The Hague University of Applied Science

• Police and partner preparedness for climate change in England and Wales - Katja Hallenberg, Canterbury Christ Church University; David Lydon, Canterbury Christ Church University; Violeta Kapageorgiadou, Canterbury Christ Church University

• Epistocracy as a conduit for change? Exploring the role of knowledge(s) to steer localised responses to climate change in the UK - Ali Malik, University of Leeds; Julie Berg, University of Glasgow