The Military Understands 'War-Like Urgency'

In a previous blog I described the need for the US and the world to respond to the climate change challenge with no less than 'war-like urgency'. As healthcare reforms threaten to destroy the prospects for the already watered-down Markey-Waxman bill, it seems few leaders perceive climate change as an urgent and far-reaching threat.

However, a report released last week by a panel of high-ranking and distinguished military officials added some real urgency and seriousness to the debate. Climate change, the panel said, represented a grave national security threat. In stark terms, General Zinni described their analysis "We will pay to reduce greenhouse gas emissions today, and we'll have to take an economic hit of some kind. Or, we will pay the price later in military terms. And that will involve human lives. There will be a human toll."

The wording of this report reflects the serious and calculated manner in which military leaders understand the world. And it is consistent with the military's leading governmental role in renewable energy research and implementation. The military already uses wind/diesel hybrid, geothermal, photovoltaic, and hydro technologies. Much of these have been around for years and the photovoltaic array in Nevada is the largest in the world. The Air Force is even the 'largest renewable power purchaser in the US.' The technologies in development are even more staggering. The National Defense Authorization Act mandates that the Pentagon source 25 % of its electricity from renewable energy. This has led the military to experiment with waste to energy plants, nuclear, hydrogen fuel cells, on-site biomass, and extreme energy-efficiency materials. And for years, the military has been the biggest promoter and purchaser of bio-fuels.

Despite some criticisms that the military could be doing more, the impressive track-record cannot be denied. It seems that those with a real understanding of the devastating consequences of climate change are the ones prepared to respond to it with the war-like urgency that is required. We can only hope now that more leaders and politicians start to take the threat seriously.