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Posted on May 20, 2015
Obama to link climate change to national security. Politics as usual?
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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
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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
Posted in these groups: 
Climate Change
National Security
Climate Change National Security
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 7
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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.
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.
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GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad
We are on the same page SFC (Join to see). I do not deny that climate change can be viewed as a national security issue. But, so can many other things (national debt, poverty, unemployment, etc.). That is why I find the President's linking of climate change to national security as disingenuous.
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When you can't find a reason for it to stand on it's own, link it to something more pressing...
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GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad
Exactly. In my opinion, illegal immigration is a much more "clear and present danger" than climate change.
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SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA
Well, then again, the average american is world famous for having the attention span of a gnat.
So, unless we link climate change to something more pressing, nothing will change.
So, unless we link climate change to something more pressing, nothing will change.
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SSgt (Join to see)
Do not be a shill Hector! A helicopter repairer is an expert on climate.. HAHAHA!
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If there is anything I have learned from this administration it is this: if they care about it, it is politics as usual.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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Is he saying that the atrocities of ISIS are because of climate change?
If so BS
If so BS
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MSgt James Mullis
No, he's explaining why he thinks the DOD should fork over large chunks of its future budget to the Al Gore - Climate Change Lobby.
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