Senator John Warner and the Pew Project visit Colorado Springs, CO, Oct. 13, 2009

Press Release
For Tuesday, October 13, 2009

CONTACT:
Niki Hawthorne, 303-832-2444 
Brandon MacGillis, Pew Environment Group
202-887-8830 or bmacgillis@pewtrusts.org

Senator Warner and Pew Project on National Security, Energy and Climate
Discuss Climate and Security in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO - Today, the Pew Project on National Security, Energy and Climate hosted a forum on National Security and Climate at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.   Joined by retired Senator John Warner (R-VA), panelists discussed the critical links between climate change, protecting our national security, increasing our energy independence and preserving our region's economic vitality.

"I spent thirty years in the U.S. Senate working on behalf of our men and women in uniform serving our country and on the issues related to the impact of climate changes on their future military roles and missions," said former Senator John Warner. "Leading military and security experts agree that if left unchecked, global warming could increase instability and lead to conflict in already fragile regions of the world.  We ignore these facts at the peril of our national security and at great risk to those in uniform who serve this nation."

Numerous expert reports have documented the security challenges that unchecked global climate change could cause.   The Central Intelligence Agency's long-term forecasting arm, the National Intelligence Council (NIC), recently reported that global warming could directly impact the United States by threatening energy supplies, damaging military bases, increasing food and water shortages and stressing the economy.

“This is an issue that will only gain in prominence,” said Dr. Hal Bidlack, professor of Political Science at the U.S. Air Force Academy. “We will see our national defense resources strained here in Colorado as our armed forces are asked to respond to increased international conflict over water and food shortages due to the drought, damaging storms and flooding that come with climate change.”

"Few individuals have the depth of knowledge and experience on the energy, national security and environmental challenges facing our country and the world as Senator Warner," said Phyllis Cuttino, who directs the Pew Environment Group's U.S. Global Warming Campaign. "Forums like this will help engage our nation in an informed conversation on a clean energy future that makes America more secure."

The Pew Project on National Security, Energy and Climate brings together science and military policy experts to examine new strategies for combating climate change, protecting our national security, increasing our energy independence and preserving our nation's natural resources. Please visit www.pewclimatesecurity.org for additional information.

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