Climate Change and Operational Efficiency

Climate Change and National Security

It has been known for some time that the threat of climate change poses difficult challenges for our generation and the generations to come. The production and emission of dangerous greenhouse gases since the dawn of the industrial age have been largely unchecked until relatively recent times. As such, it is calculated that the levels of such gases in our atmosphere are at dangerously high levels and have already caused significant damage to our planet.

In recent times, pressure has been escalating and governments around the world are being called to action to do something about the problem for the general good of mankind and for the inhabitants of the planet as a whole. Many experts feel that the developed countries of the world have not been proactive enough and that significant change has not yet been initiated. To exacerbate the problem, the twin issues of climate change and national security are now being exposed.

It is anticipated that in the relatively near future and certainly within the next 20 to 30 years, climate change and national security issues will force the United States to engage in military intervention in territories around the world. It is thought that the effects of increasingly violent storms, droughts, and the effect of mass migration will lead to uprisings, civil unrest and threats to the stability of entire regions.

Not only do increased greenhouse gas emissions lead to a rise in the average temperature around the world, rising seas and melting glaciers, but, say intelligence analysts, they threaten our security as well. Many governments are still somewhat skeptical that climate change and national security can be addressed within the same breath, but recent comprehensive exercises and “wargames” conducted at the highest levels have shown that there are some extremely vulnerable regions.

Climate Change-Driven Scenarios in Other Countries

It is anticipated that the Middle East, Southeast Asia and certain parts of the African continent will likely face catastrophic flooding events, water shortages and a lack of food on such a level that these climate change–driven scenarios will force the United States and other developed countries to launch either a humanitarian effort or conduct a military intervention. In any of these cases, climate change and national security must be addressed or these disasters in “far off lands” will cause repercussions at home.

As far-reaching legislation is debated in the halls of government within the United States, it is likely that the two issues of climate change and national security will be combined. Former presidential candidate John Kerry is a champion of this cause and is trying to bring the argument to Senators from many of the most prominent fossil fuel producing areas of the country.

Climate Change and Its Threats to National Security Could Escalate to Legislative Level

It is anticipated that there will be considerable opposition to legislation seeking to control carbon emissions from these areas, as they may feel that they will suffer significantly adverse economic effects from such implementation.

The US Department of Defense has produced its own climate model using sophisticated programs and these models point to the potentially catastrophic effects that may inevitably combine climate change and national security under the same umbrella of prominence at legislative level.

About Verisae

Verisae helps measure, manage and reduce equipment and energy costs including the related business and environmental impacts of carbon emissions. The Sustainability Resource Planning (“SRP”) software platform improves operational efficiency, protects brand integrity and helps ensure regulatory compliance for distributed enterprises across many industries. Verisae delivers a broad range of sustainability solutions to dozens of clients globally with thousands of daily users including an extended network of third-party suppliers. Verisae’s integrated sustainability platform actively tracks millions of assets across thousands of sites worldwide.

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