Integrating climate change into U.S. national security planning

The president’s memorandum is supported by a National Intelligence Council report, also released today [Tuesday], which finds that climate change is already having significant impacts — and that these are “likely to pose significant national security challenges for the United States over the next two decades,” including straining our military operations and bases.

Already, we have witnessed the instability and harm caused by rising sea levels, dramatic flooding, regional droughts, extreme heat, and severe weather events in many parts of the world. A devastating drought contributed to the early unrest and eventual conflict in Syria, as water shortages and crop failures led farmers to abandon their homes in search of more stable sources of food and water. More than 100 million people now live less than one meter above sea level, and the expected pace of sea level rise means that these people will be at increasing risk during this century. In the Arctic, melting sea ice is increasing the potential for international tension as competition for the region’s vast natural resources grows. That is why the Administration proposed in 2015 to accelerate the acquisition of a replacement heavy icebreaker for the Arctic and began planning for the construction of additional icebreakers. And this year, the Administration requested $150 million from Congress to accelerate production of a new Polar Icebreaker, and the administration continues to call on Congress to provide this critical funding to the U.S. Coast Guard this year.

The report found that, around the world, climate change will only continue to threaten the stability of countries, heighten social and political tensions, increase health risks, jeopardize food security, and negatively impact economic growth. These effects will be especially pronounced as populations continue to concentrate in coastal areas, drought-prone regions, and other vulnerable areas. 

Given the scale of this threat, it is imperative that policymakers have clear and accurate information and assessments to weigh how the impacts of climate change will affect our national security. Just as we work to defeat any adversary before they have the ability to attack, we must similarly prepare for and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The security of our nation — and the well-being of our world — depends on it. 

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NAS) says itwill take the lead in engaging the academic community in efforts to guide this initiative, and that the NAS is well-positioned to tap the broad, multidisciplinary expertise of researchers across the nation.

The NAS notes that one of its important responsibilities is to advise the nation on important challenges, and that climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Several past Academies reports have highlighted ways that changing climate conditions pose risks to U.S. national security and the importance of enhancing coordination among the many experts and stakeholders working on these challenges.

The NAS is organizing a public webinar which will include briefings about the new initiative and discussions of how the academic community can participate in activities going forward. Those interested in participating in the webinar should register to receive details about it as soon as they are available.

The NAS has published several reports relevant to the initiative, among them: