Capitol Hill Briefing: The National Security Implications of Climate Change
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The Center for Climate and Security (CCS) and the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) invite you to a briefing on the role of climate change as a “threat multiplier” in the geopolitical landscape and the implications that has for U.S. national security. The briefing will be held on Monday, June 5, 2017, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM, Room 334, Cannon House Office Building. Please RSVP to expedite check-in.
Live webcast (connection permitting) will be streamed.
The briefing will explore the risk management and planning considerations facing the Department of Defense (DOD) as it seeks to maintain force readiness and bolster infrastructure resilience. The panel will also discuss the need for investments in preventive measures today to prepare for future needs concerning disaster assistance, the Arctic, and the displacement of vulnerable populations due to climate change.
Speakers for this forum include distinguished members of the CCS Advisory Board:
- Brigadier General Gerald Galloway, United States Army (Ret); Former Dean of the Academic Board, U.S. Military Academy at West Point
- Hon. Sherri Goodman, Former Deputy Undersecretary of Defense (Environmental Security)
- General Ron Keys, United States Air Force (Ret); Former Commander, Air Combatant Command
- Rear Admiral Ann C. Phillips, United States Navy (Ret); Former Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group TWO
- Hon. John Conger, Former Principal Deputy Undersecretary of Defense (Comptroller)
As a “threat multiplier,” climate change serves as a contributing factor to amplify and worsen stressors that can lead to
conflict
, such as food and water scarcity, poverty, political instability, and social tensions. In its 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review, DOD designated climate change as a crucial factor to consider in future national security planning, stating that “climate change, energy security, and economic stability are inextricably linked.” DOD has worked to better integrate these risks across its
operations,
while increasing energy efficiency and adapting its facilities to withstand sea level rise and extreme weather events. The institutionalization of climate policies has transformed how DOD does business and has resulted in a more resilient and agile military, enabling it to meet its mission goals more efficiently and effectively. These policies have been adopted across the Department’s five service branches.
We thank the Henry M. Jackson Foundation and the David Rockefeller Fund for their support of this event.
This event is free and open to the public.
For more information, contact Brian La Shier at blashier@eesi.org or (202) 662-1892.