Climate Security: Challenges and Opportunities for Homeland Security

Abstract

Climate change is an existential threat to US homeland security and is likely the most significant risk facing humanity. A consensus of the scientific community concludes that climate change is occurring, is relatively irreversible, and that aggressive mitigation of climate change drivers is necessary. Climate change impacts include surface air temperature rise, sea-level rise, water scarcity, drought, heat waves, fires, changes in precipitation patterns, disastrous changes in natural land cover and ocean chemistry, and an increase of the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The nation is ill-prepared for risks presented by climate change. It has a duty to prepare for climate change a priori rather than a posteriori, as is typically the case for focusing events such as the nation’s reactive response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Acting to prevent and mitigate future global warming will result in lower societal costs and other benefits such as improvements in quality of life in the near term, while providing for the prosperity of future generations and preserving the nation’s legacy as a leader among nations in the long term. To achieve climate security, the nation must identify, acquire, and sustain the capabilities required to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from climate change risks.