Climate security

Our Climate Is Our Security

Climate change has historically been a controversial topic, and former President Barack Obama was sharply criticized for addressing it during his time in office. However, the issue may be losing some of its political toxicity of late. More and more professionals and politicians on both sides of the aisle have begun speaking openly about the linkage between the environment and America's national security.

For example, Richard V. Spencer, President Donald Trump's nominee for secretary of the Navy, recently told the Senate Armed Services Committee, "The Navy is totally aware of rising water issues, storm issues … We must protect our infrastructure, and I will work hard to make sure we are keeping an eye on that because without the infrastructure, we lose readiness."

Spencer is not the only current appointee who has expressed this concern. During his confirmation process for the post as secretary of defense this spring, Gen. James Mattis wrote in the question/response period: "Climate change can be a driver of instability and the Department of Defense must pay attention to potential adverse impacts generated by this phenomenon."