![]() ![]() We are being asked to meet this expanded mission set even while climate impedes our training and readiness.Ĭlimate-induced extreme weather is already a major drain on our budget. military-supported relief activities and actually increasing risks of conflict, such as from civil wars and terrorism.Ĭlimate change is also driving new areas of geopolitical competition, such as in the Arctic. Abroad, climate change puts our national security at risk by contributing to instability that drives requests for U.S. It does this by simultaneously increasing demands on the force while impacting our capacity to respond to those demands.Īs an example of how climate is driving demands here at home, the Department is increasingly called on to assist in managing wildfires in California, and helping communities along our coasts rebuild after being impacted by hurricanes. The effects of climate change are a national security issue, impacting DOD’s missions and operational plans, readiness, our installations, and the Department’s budget. Where appropriate, I’ll be highlighting how energy innovation is helping us in this effort.ĭefending the nation is priority number one for the Department of Defense. What I would like to do this afternoon is speak to you about how the climate crisis impacts each of these priorities and explain what we are doing to meet those challenges. In his Message to the Force on March 4th, Secretary Austin laid out his priorities for DOD in three categories: defend the nation, take care of our people, and succeed through teamwork. ![]() And it is especially pertinent to DOD in the context of climate change. The theme of this year’s summit, “Expanding American Energy Innovation,” is something that we are thinking about every day at the Department of Defense. ![]() I wish that we could be together in-person, but I’m glad to be with you, even if virtually. And thank you to ARPA-E for inviting me to speak with all of you this afternoon. ![]()
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