Every four years, the United States Department of Defense publishes the 'Quadrennial Defense Review.' The Review assesses Defense Department operations and looks to future needs and threats to international security.Among security risks highlighted in the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review, released today, are the destabilizing effects of climate change. It reinforces our calls for significant investment in international adaptation projects that will allow those most vulnerable better cope with the challenges set forth in the Review.
An excerpt from page 82:
"Assessments conducted by the intelligence community indicate that climate change could have significant geopolitical impacts around the world, contributing to poverty, environmental degradation, and the further weakening of fragile governments. Climate change will contribute to food and water scarcity, will increase the spread of disease, and may spur or exacerbate mass migration.You can read the entire Defense Review on the Department of Defense's website.
While climate change alone does not cause conflict, it may act as an accelerant of instability or conflict, placing a burden to respond on civilian institutions and militaries around the world."
