Spring 2006. Industry Study. Environment Study
Abstract
The members of the 2006 Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF) Environment Industry Study (EIS) evaluated a wide range of environmental issues that have implications for US national security in the context of a complex, interdependent global economy; an intensifying international debate regarding the cause and consequences of climate change; and a shifting, sometimes confusing, landscape of international allies and threats. The EIS determined that it is essential for the US to take a conscious, proactive lead in literally creating our environment. Leaders and citizens must openly address issues affecting not only our natural resources, but those we share with the world. This paper evaluates the current environmental conditions and impacts, highlighting the critical issue of climate change; examines what is already being done to address these issues; discusses implications regarding national security; and provides recommendations for ways we can contribute positively to the ecosystem, thereby constructively influencing the environment to produce the greatest benefit for all its members. In the final analysis, this paper describes choices. How we, as individuals and nations, chose to participate in the environment in the past now determines present realities. Some of those realities are stark changing weather patterns, massive deforestation, collapsed fisheries, diminishing freshwater supplies. But we will continue to have choices, just as we will continue to participate in and thereby create the environment. The 2006 EIS members saw first-hand the impacts of people who chose short-term gain and now are dealing with long-term consequences, both inside and outside the US. Conversely, we also studied and spoke to government leaders moving from awareness to action, successful corporations discovering shareholder value in sustainable strategies, and individual citizens who are thinking globally and acting locally.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA475356
Entities
Organizations
- Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy