Event Recap: National Security, Climate Resilience & Environmental Protection – A Conversation with Congressman Scott Peters
On Wednesday, August 31st, ASP hosted a discussion with Congressman Scott Peters (D-CA) to discuss the importance of climate resilience for the Armed Forces domestically and installations abroad. The Congressman serves California’s 52nd Congressional District, which includes the cities of Coronado, Poway, and most of northern San Diego.
Congressman Peters began the conversation by praising the U.S. military’s pragmatic, mission-focused approach to climate change and resilience, and articulated the importance of passing key legislation like the National Climate Adaptation and Resilience Strategy Act. Congressman Peters shared insights into climate resilience efforts already underway by the military, including a transition to clean energy and improving its logistical footprint. Congressman Peters also provided key insights into how to manage the expectations of partners through the clean energy transition—an important element of facilitating progress and stakeholder buy-in.
The Congressman concluded by highlighting the security risks of climate change and the benefits of action. Climate-induced conflict and migration in Syria and cataclysmic flooding in Pakistan were elevated as essential case studies that help convey the complexity and implications of climate change and provide insight into climate’s destabilizing security dynamics. Congressman Peters also pointed to the importance and role of existing climate strategies from the Department of Defense and the Armed Forces to drive innovation and facilitate institutional change.
