Letter to the Editor: A Climate Security Plan for America

To the Editor:

In response to letter-writer Lowell L. Engle’s criticism of the Paris climate agreement, I want to draw attention to a remarkable document on climate change and national security.

“A Climate Security Plan for America: A Presidential Plan for Combating the Security Risks of Climate Change” is endorsed by more than 20 admirals and generals, including Rear Admiral David Titley, former oceanographer and navigator of the Navy, and General Gordon Sullivan, former chief of staff of the Army. This 2019 report states:

“The U.S. is contending with an international environment colored by the announcement of the intent of the U.S. to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, a loss of American prestige and international leadership as a result, a lack of trust between the U.S. and its partners and allies, and significant moves by other nations, such as China, to fill that global leadership vacuum. China, for example, is positioning itself as a regional and global leader in investments in climate resilience and clean energy transitions. This challenge to U.S. leadership on climate change, particularly from near-peer competitors, can have significant implications for U.S. national security well beyond this issue.”

The pandemic has taught us the importance of hedging against catastrophic risk.  Certainly, this is consistent with conservative values.  President Biden and the Democratic Party should be congratulated for embracing U.S. leadership on this crucial issue.

For reference: A Climate Security Plan for America (p. 10) - https://climateandsecurity.org/climatesecurityplanforamerica/

Terry Hansen
Hales Corner, WI