Vitally Important: Analyzing and Assessing America's Treatment of Global Climate Change With Relation to National Security
Abstract
National intelligence estimates support the contention that climate change will have wide-ranging implications for U.S. national security interests over the next few decades. Similarly, in 2013 Navy Admiral Samuel Locklear, Commander of U.S. Pacific Command, identified climate change as the Pacific regions biggest long-term security threat, stating that it is probably the most likely thing that is going to happen ... that will cripple the security environment, probably more likely than the other scenarios we all often talk about. However, some commentators have argued that climate change is simply not a national security issue in the traditional sense, as it does not concern the survival of the state, and is not related to threats of military aggression by other states. The 2014 Center for Naval Analyses (CNA) Military Advisory Board, made up of 16 retired Generals and Admirals from the U.S. Armed Forces, asserted that the risks associated with climate change are comprehensive and accelerating. They also state that the observed rapidity of climate change is producing effects that have the potential to elevate from threat multipliers to catalysts for conflict. In light of the arguments presented, U.S. treatment and categorization of climate change as an important to vital national interest is appropriate.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 29, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1176005
Entities
People
- Terrance J. Reese
Organizations
- Marine Corps University