Enemy at the Floodgates: The DoD's Climate Conundrum
Abstract
Climate Change is the most imminent threat to US National Security and the longevity of the Department of Defense. Climate change stokes global insecurity and multiplies the nations most prominent national security threats. Aggravated by the detriments of extreme climates and disasters, the worlds hotspots present an amplified challenge to the US as the leader in global security. The humanitarian crises and fiscal fallout of natural disasters, occurring more frequently and with greater magnitude, captivate the attention and resources of a military force that faces rapidly enhancing military threats from near-peer adversaries. Military readiness and global lines of effort suffer as a result of the additional burden. Climate poses a direct threat to the American way of life as climate change proliferates disastrous events such as hurricanes, wildfire, flooding, and spread of infectious disease on US soil. The DoD is not currently postured to meet the demands of climate issues while ensuring military supremacy to provide security for itself and valued allies. The DoD requires reallocation of personnel, resources, and funding to support the crisis response and humanitarian requirements of climate extremes/events in order to meet its national security demands. The military must be resourced to counter the transnational climate threat while reforming its force as prescribed by the 2018 National Defense Strategy to account for great power competition and enhanced adversary capabilities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 17, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1177844
Entities
People
- Thomas J. Scanlan
Organizations
- Marine Corps University