Master Sgt. Kevin Fife, Combined Air Power Transition Force mentor, directs people on to an Afghan Air Force Mi-17 transport helicopter on July 29, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lt. Col. Jimmie Barrow/RELEASED)

September 3-5 marked the most recent NATO summit  in Cardiff, Wales. One of the noted principal focuses of this year’s summit included: “NATO readiness to reinforce collective defence, and investing in capabilities to ensure the Alliance remains ready to face any challenge.” The just-released “Wales Summit Declaration” confirmed that climate change was in fact a part of that readiness challenge. As noted on point 110:

Key environmental and resource constraints, including health risks, climate change, water scarcity, and increasing energy needs will further shape the future security environment in areas of concern to NATO and have the potential to significantly affect NATO planning and operations.

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