Flying by helicopter over the Greenland ice sheet, the vast expanse of white stretches out beneath me. However, upon closer inspection, I notice bright blue pools dotting the ice, reflecting a startling reality: one of the world’s largest ice caps is melting at an alarming rate. As I observe the changes firsthand, I am faced with the stark truth of our climate future unfolding before my eyes. The pace of melting in Greenland is far quicker than anyone anticipated, with scientists predicting levels expected 40 years from now already being observed this summer.
The implications of this rapid ice melt extend far beyond the Arctic region. The Greenland ice sheet, which covers approximately 80 percent of the world’s largest island, has the potential to raise global sea levels by as much as eight feet by the end of the century. This significant rise in sea levels poses a direct threat to coastal cities around the world, forcing them to adapt and rebuild their infrastructure to withstand the impact of rising waters.
The slogan of the Rising Seas Institute, which organized my trip to the Arctic, encapsulates the gravity of the situation: “Greenland’s Glaciers Change the World.” It serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of our planet and the urgent need for action to address the challenges posed by climate change.
The Intersection of Climate Change and National Security
As a former deputy undersecretary of defense, I cannot overlook the implications of climate change on our nation’s security. Looking ahead to the year 2050, envision a world where sea levels have risen by a foot, leading to widespread coastal flooding and displacement of populations in cities like Miami and Mumbai. Nations are grappling with the consequences of climate change, while still contending with traditional geopolitical threats.
In this future scenario, military bases, particularly naval installations along the coast, are facing the brunt of rising sea levels, impacting their ability to carry out essential operations. The vulnerability of these bases to flooding poses a direct threat to national security, as critical assets like ships, submarines, and fighter jets are at risk of being compromised.
Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and typhoons, are becoming more frequent and severe, further exacerbating the challenges faced by military forces. In the event of a natural disaster like a super typhoon knocking out infrastructure in Taiwan, the ability to discern between a storm-induced outage and a deliberate cyberattack becomes increasingly complex.
The Role of the Military in Climate Preparedness
Recognizing the urgency of addressing climate risks, the U.S. military has taken proactive steps to mitigate the impact of climate change on its operations. From climate-proofing bases with resilient infrastructure to adopting cleaner energy sources, the military is leading the way in preparing for the challenges of a hotter and more dangerous world.
By incorporating climate realities into strategic planning and embracing clean energy technologies, the military is setting a precedent for proactive climate action. The transition to cleaner energy not only reduces emissions but also enhances military effectiveness by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and improving energy resiliency in the face of evolving threats.
Building a Resilient Future
In order to safeguard our nation in a changing climate landscape, it is imperative that we follow the evidence, prepare for future threats, and accelerate the transition to cleaner energy sources. By taking a comprehensive approach to climate preparedness, we can ensure the security and resilience of our communities and institutions in the face of escalating climate risks.
As we confront the challenges of a hotter and more dangerous world, it is essential that we heed the lessons learned from the military’s proactive stance on climate change. By prioritizing science-based decision-making, investing in resilient infrastructure, and embracing clean energy solutions, we can secure a sustainable future for generations to come.
