Australia’s Chief of Army: Australian Defence Force Needs to Consider Climate Impacts
On the heels of Secretary of State John Kerry’s comments in Jakarta, Indonesia on the security implications of climate change, Australia’s Chief of Army noted that the Australian Defence Force (ADF) will need to plan for the security implications of a changing climate. According to Australia Network News, Lieutenant General David Morrison stated: “We have to look at the region, with a number of low-lying islands, to be confident in drawing conclusions that there will be a role for the military as a result.” In terms of what that might mean for the ADF, Lieutenant General Morrison noted that the “most likely role for the military” would be “providing immediate assistance for humanitarian and disaster relief.”
These comments build on previous concerns expressed by the ADF, including in a conference on climate change organized by the ADF in the autumn of last year, and Australia’s 2013 National Security Strategy – released under the previous government.
UPDATE: Climate Security 101: Why the U.S. National Security Establishment Takes Climate Change Seriously
This is an update to the Center for Climate and Security’s 2012 briefer. A PDF version of this update can also be found here.
In a 2007 report by the CNA Military Advisory Board, General Gordon R. Sullivan stated:
“People are saying they want to be perfectly convinced about climate science projections…But speaking as a soldier, we never have 100 percent certainty. If you wait until you have 100 percent certainty, something bad is going to happen on the battlefield.” (more…)
The Next Black Swan: Rapid Changes in Context
This is a cross-post by Mehmet Burk – Relief Analysis Wire
A new “Black Swan” may be emerging for the international humanitarian community. Often defined as a high impact, low probability wildcard–this new threat could be game changer for almost anyone involved in international security, disaster recovery, or relief work. The threat lurks just a few hundred feet below the surface of the Pacific Ocean, and if researcher Matthew England is correct, in a few years time we all may have something extraordinary to contend with. (more…)
Tune In: Water, Conflict and Peacebuilding Toolkit Launch
This afternoon from 3pm-5pm EST, the Woodrow Wilson Center will be launching a new toolkit on water, conflict and peacebuilding. The event will be webcast, so be sure to tune in for what is sure to be an interesting discussion (bringing much-needed nuance to the “water war” headlines). Below are the details for the event. (more…)