Quotes
U.S. Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN):
“Many nations and businesses across the globe are moving to respond to climate change in innovative ways. How the United States participates in these efforts will profoundly affect our diplomatic standing, our economic potential, and our national security.”Admiral Joseph W. Prueher (U.S. Navy – retired):
“Projected climate change poses a serious threat to America's national security. Climate change acts as a threat multiplier for instability in some of the most volatile regions of the world. Projected climate change will add to tensions even in stable regions of the world. Climate change, national security and energy dependence are a related set of global challenges.”“There are a great many risks associated with climate change, and the costs are uncertain. But if we start planning and working now, we may be able to meet our security objectives, and mitigate some of those battles.”
“The potential and adverse effects of climate change could make current changes seem small. Facing and sorting these challenges, for our nation's leaders, can be daunting. It will require vision, proactivity, courage and thoughtful articulation. What we cannot do is wait.”
General Charles F. Wald (U.S. Air Force - retired):
“If we look at Darfur, we can see that impact of climate change is not just an issue off in the distant future; it is having an affect on security today. The conflict in Darfur has many root causes, but one of its key instigators was driven by climate.”“The national security consequences of climate change should be fully integrated into national security and national defense strategies.
“The U.S. should commit to a stronger national and international role to help stabilize climate changes at levels that will avoid significant disruption to global security and stability. The U.S. should commit to global partnerships that help less developed nations build the capacity and resiliency to better manage climate impacts.”
“The Department of Defense should enhance its operational capability by accelerating the adoption of improved business processes and innovative technologies that result in improved U.S. combat power through energy efficiency. “
“The DoD should conduct an assessment of the impact on U.S. military installations worldwide of rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and other possible climate change impacts over the next 30 to 40 years.”
Admiral Richard Truly (U.S. Navy – retired):
“The natural environment of this region (the Middle East) is dominated by two important natural resources – oil because of its abundance, and water because of its scarcity. Climate change has the potential to exacerbate tensions over water as precipitation patterns decrease, projected to decline as much as 60% in some areas. This suggests even more trouble in a region of fragile governments and infrastructures and historical animosities among countries and religious groups.”“Observed and projected sea level rise coupled with the predicted increase in violent storms poses a new threat to coastal regions. Some of our most critical infrastructure for trade, energy and defense is located on our coasts. Further, a number of low-lying island nations, particularly in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, could literally be under threat of inundation in coming decades. Some of our strategic military installations are located on low-lying islands, such as Diego Garcia, which is a critical base of support for our Middle East operations.”
“…the expected effects of climate change can lead to increased stress on populations and increased strife among countries. In the national and international security environment, climate change threatens to add new hostile and stressing factors. We believe that climate change, national security and energy dependence are a related set of global challenges.”
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon:
“When resources are scarce -- whether energy, water or arable land -- our fragile ecosystems become strained, as do the coping mechanisms of groups and individuals. This can lead to a breakdown of established codes of conduct, and even outright conflict.”“Environmental degradation has the potential to destabilize already conflict-prone regions, especially when compounded by inequitable access or politicization of access to scarce resources. I urge Member States to renew their efforts to agree on ways that allow all of us to live sustainability within the planet's means.”
“Projected changes in the earth's climate are, thus, not only an environmental concern. They can also have serious social and economic implications, and -- as the Council points up today -- issues of energy and climate change can have implications for peace and security.”