Climate Change and National Security: A Redefinition

The Convergence of Climate Action and National Security

A significant obstacle in addressing climate change lies in the limited collaboration between environmental advocacy groups and the national security establishment. Differing ideologies often lead to mutual distrust, with activists sometimes viewing military strategists as ecologically damaging, and strategists dismissing activists as impractical.

However, the escalating impacts of climate change are compelling these two groups toward increased cooperation, despite inherent discomfort.

A Strategic Assessment of Climate Risks

Michael T. Klare, in his book “All Hell Breaking Loose,” presents a comprehensive analysis of Pentagon strategic assessments over the past two decades. The book details how climate change is projected to impact America’s security landscape. It offers a sober, though not alarmist, examination of the defense community’s response to this complex global challenge.

Climate change introduces vulnerabilities across nearly all security domains, often in ways not immediately apparent.

Impacts on Military Infrastructure and Operations

For the U.S. Navy, which depends on coastal access for shipyards and ports, rising sea levels pose a substantial threat to operational readiness. Instances like hurricane impacts on naval infrastructure in Virginia demonstrate this vulnerability.

The U.S. military, functioning as a major property owner with hundreds of bases globally, faces climate-related challenges affecting mission capabilities. The costs associated with fortifying these facilities are projected to reach tens of billions of dollars, potentially even exceeding that figure.

Energy Security and the Path to Resilience

The Pentagon, as one of the world’s largest energy consumers, requires substantial power for bases, aircraft, and naval vessels. While cost is a concern, ensuring a reliable energy supply, even in unstable conditions, is paramount. Climate change introduces disruptions to oil transit, from severe weather events to logistical bottlenecks like those experienced in the Suez Canal.

This shared concern for energy security creates a point of alignment between the Pentagon and environmental advocates. Klare highlights the Pentagon’s investments in biofuels, decentralized grid technologies, and battery storage to enhance the resilience of its forces. The Pentagon’s financial resources allow it to absorb the “green premiums” associated with more dependable energy sources.

Humanitarian Response and Shifting Priorities

The convergence of interests extends to humanitarian response, though driven by different motivations. The Pentagon anticipates that climate change will divert resources from its primary security objectives – countering threats from nations like China, Russia, and Iran – towards responding to escalating humanitarian crises.

As a uniquely equipped American institution capable of deploying large-scale disaster relief, the Pentagon is frequently called upon for such missions. However, the military’s training focuses on warfare, not humanitarian aid, presenting a significant skills mismatch.

Environmental activists advocate for a more stable and equitable world, aiming to prevent mass climate displacement. The Pentagon seeks to stabilize fragile states to avoid being drawn into non-core missions. Despite differing approaches, both share the goal of mitigating climate-related instability.

The Changing Geopolitical Landscape

A key aspect of climate change’s impact on national security is the alteration of the global strategic map. Russia stands to benefit from these changes, as Klare details the Pentagon’s efforts to secure the Arctic region following the melting of polar ice and the opening of new shipping routes.

The U.S. military has initiated training exercises to prepare for operations in the Arctic and address potential contingencies in the region.

A Critical Assessment of the Book

Klare’s book is accessible and addresses a compelling subject, but it isn’t a literary masterpiece. Its structure resembles a comprehensive think tank report, requiring significant reader stamina.

The book’s research relies heavily on Pentagon assessment reports, Congressional testimony, and secondary news sources. It lacks direct interviews with key individuals, which is a notable limitation given the politically charged nature of climate change discussions. While Klare acknowledges the political context, the book doesn’t reveal the candid perspectives of defense leaders.

Despite these limitations, the book remains a valuable contribution, demonstrating the potential for the national security community to champion climate action. Increased dialogue between activists and policymakers is crucial to forging effective alliances.

All Hell Breaking Loose: The Pentagon’s Perspective on Climate Change by Michael T. Klare
Metropolitan Books, 2019, 304 pages

Further Exploration

• Climatic Cataclysm: The Foreign Policy and National Security Implications of Climate Change by Kurt M. Campbell.
• The Center for Climate & Security: A think tank dedicated to researching this critical topic.