[CPEO-MEF] National Security and the Threat of Climate Change

[Lenny Siegel <lsiegel@cpeo.org>]

National Security and the Threat of Climate Change

Global climate change presents a serious national security threat which 
could impact Americans at home, impact United States military operations 
and heighten global tensions, according to a new study to be released by 
a blue-ribbon panel of retired admirals and generals from all branches 
of the armed services.

The study, "National Security and the Threat of Climate Change," 
explores ways projected climate change is a threat multiplier in already 
fragile regions, exacerbating conditions that lead to failed states - 
the breeding grounds for extremism and terrorism.

The CNA Corporation brought together eleven retired three-star and 
four-star admirals and generals to provide advice, expertise and 
perspective on the impact of climate change. CNAC writers and 
researchers compiled the report under the board's direction and review.

The report includes several formal findings:

    * Projected climate change poses a serious threat to America's 
national security.
    * Climate change acts as a threat multiplier for instability in 
some of the most volatile regions of the world.
    * Projected climate change will add to tensions even in stable 
regions of the world.
    * Climate change, national security and energy dependence are a 
related set of global challenges.

The report also made several specific recommendations:

    * The national security consequences of climate change should be 
fully integrated into national security and national defense strategies.
    * The U.S. should commit to a stronger national and international 
role to help stabilize climate changes at levels that will avoid 
significant disruption to global security and stability.
    * The U.S. should commit to global partnerships that help less 
developed nations build the capacity and resiliency to better manage 
climate impacts.
    * The Department of Defense should enhance its operational 
capability by accelerating the adoption of improved business processes 
and innovative technologies that result in improved U.S. combat power 
through energy efficiency.
    * DoD should conduct an assessment of the impact on US military 
installations worldwide of rising sea levels, extreme weather events, 
and other possible climate change impacts over the next thirty to forty 
years.

For the original overview and the full report (embargoed until Monday, 
April 16, 2007) go to
http://securityandclimate.cna.org/

--


Lenny Siegel
Director, Center for Public Environmental Oversight
c/o PSC, 278-A Hope St., Mountain View, CA 94041
Voice: 650/961-8918 or 650/969-1545
Fax: 650/961-8918
<lsiegel@cpeo.org>
http://www.cpeo.org


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