The White House is asking for nominations to their “Champions of Change” program for veterans working on building resilience to climate change and moving to mitigate climate change by deploying clean energy sources.

ASP knows that the great work done by America’s veterans did not stop when they left the Armed Forces. From the enlisted ranks all the way through to those with stars on their shoulders, America’s veterans are some of  our country’s leaders on this.

Here’s Rohan Patel, Associate Director of the White House Council on Environmental Quality on the White House blog:

In answering our nation’s call to service, America’s veterans understand the challenges of energy availability and the threats of a changing climate on the safety and effectiveness of our troops and our national security. From the dangers and logistical challenges of transporting vital energy supplies, to concerns of natural resource scarcity, these heroes have been on the front lines dealing with the security implications of a changing climate.

Upon returning home from service, many veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan have continued to serve, using their specialized skills and experiences to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy, make communities more resilient to the effects of climate change, and improve our nation’s energy security. In his Climate Action Plan, the President emphasized that failing to address climate change will threaten millions of people around the world and increase security risks. Improving preparedness and promoting energy independence helps strengthen national security and makes our troops and communities safer.

Do you know a veteran who is working on the front lines of climate and clean energy? You can nominate them on the White House website. The Veterans selected will take part in an event here in Washington in early October. The deadline for nominating people is Wednesday, September 4.

ASP is pleased to support this effort. Many of America’s veterans know have seen in person how dependence on oil is presenting critical threats to security. They know that climate change is real and is a threat to national security. Building resilience to the threats posed by a changing climate and helping to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels is a way for America’s veterans to continue to help our long-term national security.

Are you a veteran working on clean energy or climate resilience? Do you know someone who would be a good fit? Nominate them on the White House’s website. If you have any questions, contact Andrew Holland, ASP’s Senior Fellow for Energy and Climate. ASP will be happy to feature stories here on our ‘Flashpoint’ blog of the work they’re doing.

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