Introduction
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has stated that “to keep the nation secure, [the Department of Defense (DOD)], must tackle the existential threat of climate change.” DOD has released a number of documents outlining how it plans to adapt to and address climate change, including the 2021 DOD Climate Risk Analysis and the DOD Climate Adaptation Plan. Congress may conduct oversight of the implementation of these plans. Congress could also consider examining possible climate risks and assessing possible implications for global security, military readiness and infrastructure, and DOD force structure when considering authorization, appropriations, and other legislation.
Implications of Climate Change for the U.S. Military
DOD Directive (DODD) 4715.21, “Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience,” took effect in 2016 and outlines department policy, roles, and responsibilities related to climate change. The directive defines climate change as
variations in average weather conditions that persist over multiple
decades or longer that encompass increases and decreases in temperature, shifts in precipitation, and changing risk of certain types of severe weather events.
DOD’s Climate Risk Analysis report concludes that these variations could produce climate hazards such as sea or glacial ice retreat, rising sea levels, flooding, drought, extreme heat, wildfires, and tropical cyclones. Each of these hazards in turn holds implications for international security. For example, drought could lead to inadequate water supplies and adverse impacts on agricultural production. This could increase competition for, or conflict over, natural resources in affected areas. Flooding could damage critical infrastructure and displace populations, which could in turn cause mass migration or political crises. DOD notes that such hazards could “[reshape] the geostrategic, operational, and tactical environments with significant implications for U.S. national security and defense.”
DOD’s Climate Risk Analysis report further notes that
as the frequency and intensity of [climate] hazards increase ... [they may] affect the demands on and functionality of military operations, and increase the number and severity of humanitarian crises, at times threatening stability and security.
DOD has sought to increase military readiness and may propose changes in military equipment or force structure in anticipation of increased operations due to climate change. For example, extreme weather events could increase demand for humanitarian assistance and disaster response capabilities, while glacial ice retreat could lead to increased regional competition in the Arctic, with an increase in demand for specialized, cold-weather military equipment for U.S. forces.
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