National Security Strategy: What About the Environment
Abstract
Environmental issues pose a long-term national security threat that should be deliberately addressed in the National Security Strategy of the United States of America. Environmental security issues such as resource scarcity and energy shortages are triggers of regional instability. Many international and institutional supplementary tools exist to positively affect the environmental elements of this threatening instability. U.S. Government agencies are postured to significantly contribute to this effort. In previous National Security Strategies former administrations have demonstrated an understanding of the long term impact of environmental degradation on national security. The current National Security Strategy does not adequately address or recognize the fragility of environmental thresholds and their potential impact on U.S. security and prosperity. Invigorating support for established environmental initiatives and protocols would allow the U.S. to better respond to the full spectrum of threats to its security. To accomplish this the next National Security Strategy should include a specific environmental security strategy to address threatening environmental issues.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 27, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA449663
Entities
People
- Elizabeth M. Damonte
Organizations
- United States Army War College