Climate Change: A National Security Risk, says US DOD, Plans Adaptation and Climate Intervention

Climate change is no longer a distant concern relegated to environmentalists and scientists. It has emerged as a pressing national security threat, prompting the United States Department of Defense (DOD) to develop comprehensive adaptation and climate intervention strategies. The DOD’s recognition of climate change as a critical security issue underscores the urgency of addressing its multifaceted impacts on military operations, infrastructure, and global stability.

Climate Change and National Security

The connection between climate change and national security is multifaceted and complex. Rising global temperatures, melting ice caps, and more frequent and severe natural disasters pose direct threats to military installations and operations. Floods, hurricanes, and wildfires can disrupt training exercises, damage infrastructure, and compromise readiness. Additionally, climate change exacerbates geopolitical tensions, leading to conflicts over scarce resources, mass migrations, and destabilization in vulnerable regions.