By Jodi Manz-Henezi
We are excited to present the Spring Issue of HazNet for 2025, which brings a focus on emergency management in an era of extremes: from extreme heat to cold, drought to floods, development marvels to infrastructure failures, innovation to misinformation, we are witnessing it all. As I look back on the past year, I believe the theme for this issue is fitting given the unusually severe disaster events that have occurred globally. These events are not only extreme in their impacts but also within the fluctuation and contrast of hazards, spanning the spectrum of natural, climatological, to technological and man-made.
We must also consider the incredible costs of disasters and their extensive disruptions in our increasingly interconnected society. We are also witnessing extremes in our demographic shifts and projections, with an increasingly aging population influencing urban planning, labour markets, and access to tax revenue, which in turn impacts social capital and priorities. The word “extreme” can be used not only to describe specific natural hazard events but also the costs, consequences, and scope of these events on society.
Extremes can also be used to describe some of the challenges in the emergency management field of practice. Many of our colleagues have been tirelessly running from one event to the next, with little time in between, leading to extreme fatigue and frustration. We must find ways to implement the systemic changes needed to build a more adaptive and resilient society. In a time where political, economic, and social priorities are constantly changing, we need to stay consistent and effective in addressing disaster risk.
What is clear is that the disaster and emergency management professionals of today and of the future need to be more adaptable than ever to navigate through periods of persistent change, while embracing innovative technology, ideas, and opportunities to better plan for and adapt to these extremes. This requires confident and persistent leadership, strong ethics, and better and more inclusive collaboration with other professionals and community groups who have a role to play in creating a more resilient world. How can we make the best use of our time between these back-to-back events? How can we build critical new relationships, reflect on our past, and reimagine a new future, let alone execute that new vision?
In this issue, we will explore some of the questions offered here and more. Through knowledge-sharing and storytelling, we can contribute to the ongoing evolution of our professional practices. Together, we can better navigate our complex, changing world, to safeguard our communities and organizations, our families, and ourselves. Thank you for your commitment and contributions, and I look forward to continuing this journey alongside you all.
Best,
Jodi Manz-Henezi
CRHNet President
