Climate Change and the Department of Defense

     Forbes published a great article about the military's position on Climate Change.  It was enlightening and reinforced everything that I have learned over the past 6 years as I have studied, researched and discussed Climate Change in school, with my peers and here on this blog. When I think back to my first political memories, I immediately think of 1981 when the hostages were released from Iran. My dad took us to Suitland Parkway in PG County near Andrews Air Force Base and we waved yellow ribbons as the buses drove by, bringing those people back home. I didn't understand it then, but there are many who believe that the hostages were released because Ronald Reagan took office. And, historically, Republicans were bigger supporters of the military then Democrats.

     Which is why what's happening now with the debate to address Climate Change is so dumbfounding. Congress, now controlled by the GOP, is in direct conflict with the military's recommendations about how to address Climate Change. The former political allies are not only not on the same page, they are reading from different books, in different schools, on totally different planets! Read the Military's report National Security and the Accelerating Risks of Climate Change to see where the military stands, if you read Lester Browns book "Plan B: 4.0", much of it will sound familiar. The report illustrates, without directly stating, that Congress is letting politics interfere with an environmental issue that has global repercussions and threatens National Security. General Gordon Sullivan was spot on when he said:

     "People are saying they want to be perfectly convinced about climate science projections...But speaking as a soldier, we never have 100 percent certainty. If you wait until you have 100 percent certainty, something bad is going to happen on the battlefield." (Conca, 2014)

     Science works under the same principles. There is never 100 percent certainty in scientific study. There are always factors and details and situations we can not address, understand or even predict. But 97 percent certainty in Science, and in Military evaluations, means its time to act. Not only will our eco-systems, our culture and society be affected, but our National Security is being threatened as well. The military sees this. But the newly elected Congress does not. Isn't National Security high on the GOP list of importance?

Source: United States Navy

     I have gone on record many times claiming that I have nothing against conservatives or Republicans. I may not agree with people's ideas and positions on certain issues, but thats what makes the world go around. Debate is healthy in a democracy. However, I do have an issue with the current leaders in Congress due to their blatant disregard for well supported and accepted science that will have major impacts on this country and the world. Ronald Reagan, George HW Bush, John McCain... even Newt Gingrich!! All of them regarded Climate Change as a growing threat that needed to be addressed with Carbon limits and cap and trade. McCain and the rest of the GOP changed their tune after the 2008 elections and have taken up the opposite stance ever since. Why? Is it for Oil money? Is it to sabotage President Obama's presidency? Is it to get back at the Democrats, who failed to pass cap and trade legislation back in 2008 after it had passed the House? (Berman, 2014).

     Throughout my life, Republicans have backed the military and pushed other things aside in order to fund it. The two were in lock step, working together for what they thought was right, to protect America's interests and keep Americans safe, at home and abroad. But, since 2008 when the GOP flipped on the issue of Climate Change, the two are at opposite ends of the argument. One one side you have Big Oil and Big Coal and the GOP. On the other you have the Environmentalists, the Democrats and the Military. Does anyone else find this the least big surprising surprising? Does it concern you that the current congressional leaders have stuck their heads so far in the sand on this issue that they are now even ignoring the military brass that they used to rub elbows with? What reason could congressional leaders possibly have to suddenly take a 180 degree turn and pit themselves against the military that they once were so aligned with?

     Times certainly do change. Tree-huggers and soldiers fighting together. Who would have thunk it? I must admit, I like having the military on my side on this one. After all, they have a plan for what to do when things go to hell in a hand basket on this planet. Which is important, since we're gonna need one.


Sources:

Conca, James. "Does Our Military Know Something We Don't About Global Warming?" Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 14 Nov. 2014. Web. 15 Nov. 2014. http://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesconca/2014/11/14/does-our-military-know-something-we-dont-about-global-warming/

CNA Military Advisory Board, National Security and the Accelerating Risks of Climate Change (Alexandria, VA: CNA Corporation, 2014) 

Berman, Russell. "The Angry GOP Backlash to Obama's Historic Climate Accord." The Atlantic. Atlantic Media Company, 12 Nov. 2014. Web. 15 Nov. 2014. http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/11/the-angry-gop-backlash-to-obamas-historic-climate-accord/382676/