Climate Change and Instability Around the World

Panel: Climate change is already eroding global, national security

November 2, 2012 - Climate change has already contributed to instability around the world, said Andrew Holland, a senior fellow at the American Security Project, on Nov. 1.

It hasn't precisely caused conflicts, but it has accelerated them in Syria and India, said Holland at an event about climate and security at the Washington, D.C.-based think tank.

Syria recently suffered its worst drought on record over 5 years ending in 2011. Because of the drought, more than 1 million people moved from the countryside to cities, which exacerbated urban problems and ethnic and religious strife. Drought by no means caused the Arab Spring, Holland said, but it did create conditions that fueled it Syria.

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All the while, the U.S. military may be less equipped to deal with overseas conflict as it devotes some of its resources to recovery from domestic disasters, said retired Army Brig. Gen. Steven Anderson, also on the panel.

"There's a tremendous operational impact associated with climate change here at home," Anderson said, when the military assists with domestic recovery, as the National Guard, reservists, and active-duty troops have done in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. read more>>>

Climate Security Report: Part One Climate Change and Security

Climate Security Report: Part Two - Climate Change and Global Security

Climate Security Report: Part Three - Climate Change and the Homeland

{click on graphic to visit site} They are a coalition of leading Veterans, mostly of OEF and OIF, and national security organizations who recognize that climate change is a major threat, and support fast, bold action. It is time for Americans to rise to the challenge, and we’re taking on the fight.