As natural disasters intensify, could a youth volunteer army be the answer?

NSW SES volunteers participate in a training exercise on Sydney Harbour, Saturday, February 3, 2024. The NSW SES is leading a multi-agency flood boat exercise, designed to enhance flood rescue and flood support operations. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts) NO ARCHIVING Credit: DAN HIMBRECHTS/AAPIMAGE

With around 90 per cent of fire and emergency service workers being volunteers, experts warn that more help will be needed as climate change intensifies. To attract volunteers, incentives such as scholarships, reimbursements, stipends, tax breaks, and student loan reductions are now being considered. A Senate inquiry is also examining proposals for a new national scheme to create a "Climate Army" of young volunteers, to strengthen Australia’s disaster response capacity.

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Published 7 October 2025 10:00am

By Tee Mitchell

Presented by Natasha Kaul

Source: SBS

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With around 90 per cent of fire and emergency service workers being volunteers, experts warn that more help will be needed as climate change intensifies. To attract volunteers, incentives such as scholarships, reimbursements, stipends, tax breaks, and student loan reductions are now being considered. A Senate inquiry is also examining proposals for a new national scheme to create a "Climate Army" of young volunteers, to strengthen Australia’s disaster response capacity.

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