Climate Change: A Threat to US Military Readiness and National Security
In recent Congressional hearings, some lawmakers have tried to simplify complex national security issues by pitting climate change against traditional threats like geopolitical rivals or nuclear annihilation. This approach is misleading and counterproductive. Instead, we must recognize how climate hazards amplify existing security risks and hinder US military readiness.
Climate Change as a National Security Threat
Jim Mattis, former Secretary of Defense under President Trump, emphasized in 2017 that climate change drives instability and demands attention from the Department of Defense (DoD). The adverse impacts of climate change on national security are becoming increasingly apparent, both domestically and internationally.
Domestic Impacts on Military Operations
Over the past two years, US troops have been deployed domestically more than 70 times to address climate-related hazards such as wildfires and floods. The National Guard's involvement in firefighting has surged, from 14,000 personnel days in 2016 to 176,000 in 2021. This growing demand on the National Guard underscores the need for the military to plan for climate change's impact on domestic operations to ensure readiness for overseas conflicts.
International Challenges in the Indo-Pacific
Critics argue that focusing on climate change distracts from addressing threats like China's military expansion. However, failing to account for climate resilience in military investments, such as new naval ships, could impair their effectiveness. Rising ocean temperatures, which hit record highs last year, can disrupt the cooling systems of Navy ships, compromising their performance.
Extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change, also threaten US military infrastructure. For example, Typhoon Mawar severely damaged operations at Anderson Air Force Base in Guam, and a rogue wave, intensified by rising sea levels, caused significant damage to military facilities in the Marshall Islands. These regions are crucial for maintaining US strategic power in the Pacific.
Preparing for Future Disruptions
A State Department report highlighted how climate change could affect the US's ability to defend Taiwan, noting that typhoons might disrupt communications and supply chains. Preparing for such climate-induced disruptions will give the US a strategic advantage. As Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks stated, effective training and operations depend on the resilience of military infrastructure against climate impacts.
Historical Lessons and Future Preparedness
Historian John Ross recounts that President-elect John Kennedy asked outgoing President Eisenhower why D-Day succeeded, to which Eisenhower credited superior meteorological knowledge. Similarly, as the US faces more frequent and intense extreme weather due to climate change, robust preparation and adaptation will be essential for national security. The military must integrate climate projections into its strategic planning to outpace adversaries and safeguard the nation.
Conclusion
Addressing climate change is not a distraction from national security but a critical component of it. The US military must consider climate change comprehensively to maintain readiness and effectiveness. Balancing traditional threats with climate resilience will ensure a secure and prepared military in the face of evolving global challenges.
