Climate security

Climate security Is national security

The year is 2057, and the sailors at Naval Station Norfolk are scrambling. Much of the home base of the Atlantic Fleet is underwater, thanks to a stronger-than-expected hurricane. Across the waters of Hampton Roads, the soldiers and airmen are fighting the storm surge at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, which has been hit even harder. Making matters worse, the call just came from Washington – another carrier group needs to be sent to the Mediterranean immediately, to help stabilize a flash point in the Global War on Resource Scarcity.

Such a scenario may seem farfetched, but it is perfectly plausible in the not-too-distant future. As ranking member of the Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee, my focus is looking beyond the horizon to the new threats our country will face, and I have examined emerging challenges like the proliferation of terrorism, the escalation of cyber attacks, and the threats posed by rising powers.