Posted on Oct 15, 2014
The ways global climate change threats may affect servicemembers
18.1K
268
107
9
9
0
Climate change is now being looked at as a national security threat. Rising global temperatures, increasing sea levels and intensifying weather activities will challenge global stability, says Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. The changes could even lead to food and water shortages, disease and clashes over refugees and resources.
On Monday, Hagel unveiled a “Climate Change Adaptation Roadmap” to several defense ministers at an international meeting in Peru. He stressed leaders inside and outside the military need to set aside the intense political debate over the issue. Hagel says our armed forces have to prepare for all possible threats to keep our country secure. This includes our military bracing for a global warming crisis that will cause sea levels to rise 12 to 18 inches over the next 20 to 50 years.
Flooding and erosion will threaten military installations’ infrastructure and training areas, including port facilities such as San Diego, Hawaii and Norfolk, Virginia. The number of humanitarian assistance missions will increase. Climate changes can create new health risks by expanding infectious disease zones and boosting health service demands. Bases in the West will have to consider new water management programs to handle droughts, as dust can ruin military equipment and increase equipment costs.
Hagel outlined a list of potential changes for the Defense Department, including how all branches will be affected:
Marine Corps: Rising sea levels could make it harder to mount amphibious landings.
Air Force: Changing weather patterns could make it more difficult to fly for investigation and surveillance missions.
Navy: New ship technology might be needed to maneuver in the Arctic icy waters, in facing new zones of competition as new fossil fuel and mineral deposits become accessible.
Army: Soldiers may need to help manage instability caused by flooding in densely populated coastal areas, where mass-migration creates chaos and a breeding ground for extremist groups.
National Guard: More severe weather, such as hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires, will cause serious damage that will require more support from members.
The Pentagon is assessing the vulnerability of more than 7,000 bases and installations around the world. As the assessment winds down, leaders are reviewing all budget plans, war game scenarios and off-the-shelf operational contingency plans to determine if revisions are needed in light of projected impact of global warming.
Can key decision-makers put aside their political differences and focus on preparing for climate changes? Given what Hagel has outlined, how will preparing for global warming threats affect you and your service?
On Monday, Hagel unveiled a “Climate Change Adaptation Roadmap” to several defense ministers at an international meeting in Peru. He stressed leaders inside and outside the military need to set aside the intense political debate over the issue. Hagel says our armed forces have to prepare for all possible threats to keep our country secure. This includes our military bracing for a global warming crisis that will cause sea levels to rise 12 to 18 inches over the next 20 to 50 years.
Flooding and erosion will threaten military installations’ infrastructure and training areas, including port facilities such as San Diego, Hawaii and Norfolk, Virginia. The number of humanitarian assistance missions will increase. Climate changes can create new health risks by expanding infectious disease zones and boosting health service demands. Bases in the West will have to consider new water management programs to handle droughts, as dust can ruin military equipment and increase equipment costs.
Hagel outlined a list of potential changes for the Defense Department, including how all branches will be affected:
Marine Corps: Rising sea levels could make it harder to mount amphibious landings.
Air Force: Changing weather patterns could make it more difficult to fly for investigation and surveillance missions.
Navy: New ship technology might be needed to maneuver in the Arctic icy waters, in facing new zones of competition as new fossil fuel and mineral deposits become accessible.
Army: Soldiers may need to help manage instability caused by flooding in densely populated coastal areas, where mass-migration creates chaos and a breeding ground for extremist groups.
National Guard: More severe weather, such as hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires, will cause serious damage that will require more support from members.
The Pentagon is assessing the vulnerability of more than 7,000 bases and installations around the world. As the assessment winds down, leaders are reviewing all budget plans, war game scenarios and off-the-shelf operational contingency plans to determine if revisions are needed in light of projected impact of global warming.
Can key decision-makers put aside their political differences and focus on preparing for climate changes? Given what Hagel has outlined, how will preparing for global warming threats affect you and your service?
Climate Change
Command Post
Environment
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 48
0
0
0
This entire topic and deductions made from it are at best specious. Most uninformed supporters have no idea of what they speak. Climatotology is the recorded weather events, since records have been kept.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
Sea Rise will be a major problem for the Fleet, Shipyards and Mooring. The Navy has been discussing this for some time and Navy Research Lab is working on what to do next.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
If it causes any affect it will cause more training to be better prepared. The mission is to be prepared not to worry about the weather we will be dealing with, so train for contingencies and soldier on.
(0)
(0)
Capt (Join to see)
Well, if we believe the global warming folks (that is what they called themselves) we will see more snow because it is warmer. Doesn't have to make sense. Just have to say it often enough.
(1)
(0)
0
0
0
0
0
0
Someone then please explain to me the cause of retreat of glaciers worldwide, the shrinking of Arctic sea ice, the dying of coral reefs, and the continuing flooding of Vanuatu.
If for no other reason than simple pollution control, we need to take global warming seriously.
The continuing desertification of northern Africa will likely cause destabilization of regimes there, thereby giving Islamist terrorists more opportunities to grow in size and power.
If for no other reason than simple pollution control, we need to take global warming seriously.
The continuing desertification of northern Africa will likely cause destabilization of regimes there, thereby giving Islamist terrorists more opportunities to grow in size and power.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
I agree completely with SGM Charles Brainard.
Taking it a step further, the only difference all of this environmental brouhaha should make is a great commitment to and the increased level and intensity of service members training to fight and conduct operations in any clime and place.
Taking it a step further, the only difference all of this environmental brouhaha should make is a great commitment to and the increased level and intensity of service members training to fight and conduct operations in any clime and place.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
It won't...I have to believe there are "global warming effects" for them to affect my service. If the Al Gore groupies are right though and the polar ice cap is melting than there will be only one service to protect us...the best navy in the world...the United States Navy!!!! (assuming we end up like Water World the movie)
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google