The Pentagon changed its tune and now recognizes climate change as a current security risk. The military machine wasn’t really in denial, but it simply usually referred to climate disruptions as a future risk.
In Monday’s report, the Pentagon asserted in no uncertain terms that climate change poses an immediate threat to national security. It went on to list an increased risk for terrorism, infectious disease, global poverty, food and water shortages that could drive people to action. It predicted a bigger demand for military disaster responses as the increase in weather extremes ravishes people around the planet. Even at home, American military sites have experienced repeated flooding from rising ocean levels. The dangers have triggered a vulnerability survey of over 7,000 US facilities world wide.
Rising sea levels and changing weather patterns are bound to cause mass migrations and climate refugees. If steps are taken to mitigate change, there is more time to prepare for at least a migration with dignity.
The new environmental conditions have even been tied to recent violent upheavals. The extremely brutal ISIS (The Islamic State) has taken over precious water resources to gain strength and influence. Marcus D. King, a recognized expert on climate change and international affairs at George Washington University, stated in a “NY Times” article, “Climate change and water shortages may have triggered the drought that caused farmers to relocate to Syrian cities and triggered situations where youth were more susceptible to joining groups.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/14/us/pentagon-says-global-warming-presents-immediate-security-threat.html?smid=fb-share&_r=1