Climate Change Called a Security Threat, Kerry Calls for Congress to Act

[kerrygoddess]

Climate Change Called a Security Threat, Kerry Calls for Congress to Act
April 17th, 2007 @ 12:23 pm

A panel of retired generals and admirals warned yesterday that “Global warming poses a “serious threat to America’s national security” and the military should act now to minimize the destabilizing consequences of rising temperatures.”

Shortages of food and water could cause weak governments to collapse, increasingly severe natural disasters could draw U.S. forces into humanitarian missions in volatile areas, and melting Arctic ice could spark territorial disputes over shipping routes and natural resources.

Even the effectiveness of sonar used by American submarines could be at risk if parts of the oceans become less salty.

The 63-page report describes climate change as a “threat multiplier” that makes dangerous situations around the world all the more menacing.

“We will pay for this one way or another,” said retired Marine Gen. Anthony C. Zinni, who commanded U.S. forces in the Middle East. “We will pay to reduce greenhouse gas emissions today … or we’ll pay the price later in military terms. And that will involve human lives.”

Senator John Kerry wrote to the Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Joseph Biden (D-Del.) today, requesting that the Committee hold a hearing on the implications that the growing threat of global climate change has on our national security. Kerry’s letter comes in the wake of the report noted above that called “National Security and the Threat of Climate Change” that found that global warming presents a serious national security threat. Below is text of Kerry’s letter:

LETTER & LINKS HERE: http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=5640#more-5640

[Democrafty]

1. k & r for kg! n/t

[ginnyinWI]

2. if you look down the path we seem to be on,

we could be looking at the collapse of many societies and the resulting chaos. We'd better believe that would be a threat!

[blm]

3. Kerry's been linking enviro issues and alternative fuels to national security since 2002

It's long past time other Dems start standing with him on this framing. Their egos couldn't do it when he was running for president, maybe their egos will let them do it now.

[Mass]

4. K&R - And he also called on Wolfowitz to resign

http://kerry.senate.gov/v3/cfm/record.cfm?id=272510

[AuntPatsy]

5. K&R This threat is very real ....

[blm]

6. It is - and that is why corpmedia makes sure it isn't GIVEN the coverage it needs.

.

[wisteria]

8. You are right, it is a very real threat. n/t

[PresidentObama]

7. Guys like Kerry and Gore are one in a million. I'm glad Kerry is using his voice in the Senate......

....to address this all important issue. He is absolutely right, it's a threat to our national security and a threat to my generation especially--who will pay the price if we do nothing now!! I'm very concerned about what we're doing as a super power and the biggest country on earth to change our ways, and simply doing nothing will not cut it.

[YvonneCa]

11. Agreed. n/t

[wisteria]

9. This is alarming and giving our current administrations track record on preparedness,

I am real concerned that nothing at all has been done to address this concern. The time to act is now, not when something happens.

[blm]

10. Well, there are alot of people around who believe that BushInc LETS it Happen on Purpose.

And can anyone blame them for coming to that conclusion after all we have witnessed from these thugs?

[YvonneCa]

12. Keeping up the fight...

thanks, Senator. (And thank you KG. for the info.)