Obama to link climate change to national security. Politics as usual?

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Wed, 20 May 2015 13:51:31 -0400

Obama's focus on the environment is part of a continuing effort by his administration to ramp up public attention to the issue even as the president's legislative agenda on the matter is stalled by opposition from congressional Republicans.

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If a link can be made between climate change and national security (and I am not saying that one can't), couldn't a link be made between illegal immigration and national security (which the President does not do)? I'd appreciate your thoughts ...

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http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2015/05/20/in-coast-guard-commencement-obama-to-link-climate-change-to-national-security/?tid=hpModule_f8335a3c-868c-11e2-9d71-f0feafdd1394&hpid=z11

At Coast Guard graduation, Obama warns of climate change threat to national security

Obama has been seeking ways to act on the environment despite Republican opposition.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 1:55 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 13:55:27 -0400

Is he saying that the atrocities of ISIS are because of climate change?

If so BS

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 2:22 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 14:22:26 -0400

When you can't find a reason for it to stand on it's own, link it to something more pressing...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 2:26 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 14:26:20 -0400

I actually had written a paper on Nigeria for my ALC class. In that instance, yes climate change played a substantial role in the increasing instability of the country. Desertification (among other things) started as the driving force for the instability and could be traced to the beginnings of Boko Haram as it forced the Muslim North into the Christian South. Worlds collide and daily attacks are occurring. So yes I do agree that climate change can be linked to national security.

On the other hand, this also seems like a way to back up his political agenda for inputting so many environmental acts since "national security" gets tossed around so much and that it is our duty to ensure the safety of our nation. California is having issues with their water supply that they will almost run out. That will have an impact on national security in the way of the economy as well as security measures. People will do a lot in order to survive. That's one environmental issue I can think of, I'm sure there are others.

This administration loves to downplay threats when it's not in their best interest. The President has an agenda and this correlation is something that strengthens his arguments to sway the Republicans.

Response by Capt James Clement made May 20 at 2015 3:24 PM

Capt James Clement — Wed, 20 May 2015 15:24:18 -0400

If there is anything I have learned from this administration it is this: if they care about it, it is politics as usual.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made May 20 at 2015 4:17 PM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Wed, 20 May 2015 16:17:09 -0400

Most private industries went this route a long time ago. The financial industry has been paying EXTREMELY close attention to climate change for a while. Everyone is accounting for it in their strategic plans, investment portfolios and development projects.

If there's any politicization going on, it's seen in the fact that it took DoD this damn long to get around to accounting for it.

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Jun 1 at 2015 1:56 PM

Col Joseph Lenertz — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 13:56:02 -0400

It definitely opens another avenue of power for him. As Commander in Chief, his authority over the DoD and National Security activities is rarely if ever challenged by the Congress or Supreme Court. If US citizens allow Climate Change to be called a national security priority, then his power to use the DoD to enforce any idea he gets...building windmills or closing coal mines...is unstoppable.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Feb 11 at 2016 1:49 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 13:49:09 -0500

You know my background, so think of what you can do with spores that favor certain climates, even better mosquito that spread strange diseases that effect future generations. The things that we do not know but are quick to judge as political. I will take my meds now.