ASP CEO BGen. Stephen Cheney, USMC (ret.) was featured in National Geographic discussing the military’s role in fighting climate change. The article by Laura Parker, Who’s Still Fighting Climate Change? The U.S. Military, highlights the impact climate change is already having on military bases from Virginia to Alaska. In the West, irregularity of precipitation has increased the threat of wildfires while also eroding buildings and roads. The Arctic is seeing unprecedented rates of warming leading to permafrost melting and runways becoming damaged. All across the country, sea level rise is eating away at bases; with just a few feet of sea level rise threatening 128 coastal bases (valued at $100 billion).

While the military may realize this growing threat, the new administration appears less convinced, leading to concern that the administration may attempt to bar defense spending on climate change. BGen. Stephen Cheney argues that,

“That potential exists (but) we’ll see how strongly they feel about it, given the plethora of other challenges in front of the new administration.”

Further, awareness of climate change within the military doesn’t necessarily mean action. ASP Consensus Member, Dr. David W Titley, Rear Admiral USN (ret.), notes that with billions required, funding will be a critical issue. In addition, Dr. Titley brings up the challenge of allocating those resources. Even if founding is found, he points out, “Which areas are we not going to protect? No politician wants to raise his or her hand and say, ‘you guys are out of the fence line.’”

For the full article, click here.

For more resources, check out ASP’s latest work on the security threat of climate change:

Resilience in the Face of Rising Seas

ASP’s Climate Security Report

Preventing Tomorrow’s Climate Wars

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