On April 16, 2007, a Virginia-based think-tank, released a report focusing on the threat posed by global warming to United States (US) national security. Former military leaders, specifically six retired US Navy admirals and five retired US Army generals, wrote the report, entitled “National Security and the Threat of Climate Change.” The report centers on the idea that while global climate change is a different type of security challenge, it is one that the government and the military must begin to address in order to adequately prepare for its potential effects.
Key Findings
– The effects of climate change, such as floods, drought, and rising sea levels will add new “hostile and stressing factors” to the international security environment.
The report states that global warming may potentially result in environmental and humanitarian disasters that are significantly larger than those occurring today. Such events may spark further political instability in regions where governments do not have the capabilities to adequately address civil unrest and maintain order. Furthermore, shortages of food or water can create conflicts over resources, forcing large numbers of migrants across borders and increasing tensions. While conflicts resulting from these factors have occurred, global warming will likely increase their occurrence and severity.
– Global warming will serve as a “threat multiplier for instability” in already volatile areas.
Climate changes will decrease living standards in countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, increasing the potential for failed states and political instability. Extremist groups often exploit these conditions. As changes occur throughout different regions, numerous situations may develop in the same time frame, and lead to more frequent US military involvement in stability and reconstruction efforts.
– Global warming will increase tensions in stable regions of the world.
The US and countries throughout Europe may be forced to accept a large number of immigrants and refugees from countries in Latin America and Africa that are unable to cope with severe weather, rising sea levels and other sources of instability. Additionally, extreme weather events in the US, such as major hurricanes, may result in increased responsibilities for US government agencies as well as the military.
– Global warming will impact US military weapon systems, bases, and operations.
Changing temperatures will increase maintenance requirements for equipment and may reduce the life span of important weapon systems. Extreme weather events will also increase transit times for US forces, and raise the difficulty level of already challenging operations. Furthermore, US bases located in low-lying areas may be jeopardized by rising sea levels. US leaders will also be faced with many decisions regarding where and when to engage, as the frequency of natural disasters will increase.
Report Recommendations
The report advises the US government to integrate the effects of global warming into national security and defense strategies. It suggests that the government take a larger part in national and international efforts to stabilize the global climate and improve energy efficiency. Finally, the report encourages the Department of Defense (DoD) to undertake a detailed assessment on the potential impact of climate change on US military infrastructure around the world.
Future Implications
The report is the second released in the past month warning of the threat posed by global warming to US national security. Last week, a bipartisan bill was introduced in the US Senate that would require intelligence agencies to conduct a National Intelligence Estimate on the security implications of global climate change. While many agree that global warming poses a risk to the US homeland, further research is warranted in order to ascertain more detailed information on this subject and its ultimate impact on national security.
