National Security and Climate Change: What Do We Need to Know?

Jul 29, 2014 | Wilson Center
Washington, DC

What do a White House senior advisor, a member of Congress, scientists, military planners, and business people have in common? At a June 4 symposium in Seattle organized by the Jackson Foundation and PNNL, they all agreed that climate change is having an impact on national security that will only increase with time. Thirty-six leaders from federal agencies, state and local government, research organizations, business, and academia participated in the symposium titled “The Intersection of National Security and Climate Change – What do Decision-makers Need to be Prepared?”

This briefing will focus on the key recommendations and consensus points that emerged from the June discussion and highlight the next steps for action.

• Rear Admiral Jonathan White, Oceanographer and Navigator of the Navy and Director of Task Force Climate Change, will address the military’s perspective on the threats facing our nation from global warming.
• Alice Hill, White House Senior Advisor for Preparedness and Resilience, will provide a perspective on the President’s priorities around national security and climate policy.
• Ian Kraucunas, Deputy Director of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s Atmospheric Sciences and Global Change division, will highlight climate trends and tools available to national and local decision-makers.
• Larry Phillips, Chair of the King County Council, will discuss the Pacific Northwest’s strategies for tackling the threat of climate change.