The report highlighted the importance of coordination between local, state, federal and international agencies to address many of the threats outlined. According to the report, member organizations should also attempt to establish greater understanding, as these threats are not fully understood. “The public is best served by open, honest, and genuine debate amongst all those charged with the protection and service to that very public,” it concludes.
The top eight health, safety and security concerns identified are:
- Cyber hazards
- Climate change
- Demands on global resources
- Changing demographics
- Emerging technologies
- Violent extreme ideologies
- WMD proliferation
- Mega hazards and catastrophic cascading consequences
Access the full report, entitled "Protecting Americans in the 21st Century: Communicating Priorities for 2012 and Beyond," via ICMA's website.