Military leaders embrace climate change as security threat multiplier
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At a recent discussion, former Pentagon official Sherry Goodman highlighted the evolving perspective of the U.S. military on climate change, emphasizing its role as a \"threat multiplier\" in global security. Goodman, who served as the first deputy undersecretary of defense for environmental security, shared insights from her new book, \"Threat Multiplier,\" which details how climate change exacerbates existing conflicts and creates new security challenges.
Goodman explained that climate change intensifies instability in vulnerable regions, contributing to issues such as terrorism. For instance, droughts in the Middle East and North Africa force populations to migrate to urban areas, where they become susceptible to recruitment by extremist groups. Additionally, the changing climate is reshaping geopolitical dynamics, particularly in the Arctic, where nations like Russia and China are vying for control over new shipping routes.
The military's approach to climate change has shifted significantly over the past three decades. Goodman noted that the Pentagon has transitioned from focusing primarily on environmental cleanup to integrating climate considerations into operational planning. This includes conducting climate war games across various regions and enhancing the resilience of military bases to withstand extreme weather events.
One notable initiative is the military's goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with bases like the one in Albany, Georgia, already implementing microgrids and waste-to-energy systems to ensure energy independence. Goodman emphasized that military leaders have recognized the importance of addressing climate change not only for environmental reasons but also to protect the safety and effectiveness of their personnel in increasingly challenging conditions.
Overall, the discussion underscored the military's growing acknowledgment of climate change as a critical factor in national security, reflecting broader societal changes in understanding the interconnectedness of environmental issues and global stability.
Goodman explained that climate change intensifies instability in vulnerable regions, contributing to issues such as terrorism. For instance, droughts in the Middle East and North Africa force populations to migrate to urban areas, where they become susceptible to recruitment by extremist groups. Additionally, the changing climate is reshaping geopolitical dynamics, particularly in the Arctic, where nations like Russia and China are vying for control over new shipping routes.
The military's approach to climate change has shifted significantly over the past three decades. Goodman noted that the Pentagon has transitioned from focusing primarily on environmental cleanup to integrating climate considerations into operational planning. This includes conducting climate war games across various regions and enhancing the resilience of military bases to withstand extreme weather events.
One notable initiative is the military's goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with bases like the one in Albany, Georgia, already implementing microgrids and waste-to-energy systems to ensure energy independence. Goodman emphasized that military leaders have recognized the importance of addressing climate change not only for environmental reasons but also to protect the safety and effectiveness of their personnel in increasingly challenging conditions.
Overall, the discussion underscored the military's growing acknowledgment of climate change as a critical factor in national security, reflecting broader societal changes in understanding the interconnectedness of environmental issues and global stability.
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