Climate change is a “threat multiplier,” according to a new report by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). The report, entitled 2014 Climate Change Adaptation Roadmap and released on 13 October, lays out ways in which DOD will work with other nations to combat the challenges associated with, adapt to, and mitigate climate change.
Speaking at a Conference of the Defense Ministers of the Americas, U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel reiterated the possible consequences of climate change, including widespread drought, sea level rise, and more extreme weather. He stressed that these threaten not only civilian populations but also regional militaries.
The purpose of the report, Secretary Hagel said, was to determine the military’s role in combating and adapting to climate change.
“We have nearly completed a baseline survey to assess the vulnerability of our military’s more than 7000 bases, installations, and other facilities,” Hagel said. “Drawing on these assessments, we will integrate climate change considerations into our planning, operations, and training.”
Hagel added that militaries of the world must be a part of the climate change discussion. To read the full report, click here.
—JoAnna Wendel, Staff Writer
© 2014. American Geophysical Union. All rights reserved.
© 2014. American Geophysical Union. All rights reserved.