To the Editor:
In response to a recent commentary by John Shewchuk, I want to draw attention to a remarkable document on climate change and national security.
On Sept. 24, 64 senior military and security leaders endorsed “A Climate Security Plan for America.” It’s signed by more than 20 admirals and generals, including Rear Admiral David Titley, former oceanographer and navigator of the Navy, and General Gordon Sullivan, former chief of staff of the Army.
The report asserts that increases in extreme weather “can devastate essential energy, financial and agricultural centers that undergird U.S. and global economic viability and the well-being of our populations.” It calls for initiatives to improve the resilience of our critical infrastructure and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. and globally in order to avoid “catastrophic security consequences.”
Urgently reducing greenhouse gas emissions and funding adaptation should be top priorities for every politician who is concerned about national security and global stability.
References
A Climate Security Plan for America (See the bottom of p. 8 and also p. 9, par. 3 of the pdf.)
https://climateandsecurity.org/2019/09/24/release-u-s-military-national-security-and-intelligence-leaders-release-a-climate-security-plan-for-america/
Chronology of military concerns about climate change
https://climateandsecurity.org/resources/u-s-government/defense/
Terry Hansen
Hales Corners, Wis.
