Download Full Report

Tags:

natural gas and oil

U.S. Department of Defense

U.S. administrations

humanitarian assistance

desertification

thawing permafrost

The Impact of Climate Change on the U.S. Military and the Defense Industry

By

Yasemin Zeisl | Nov 7, 2019

The impact of climate change on the U.S. military and the defense industry is manifold, ranging from geopolitical and humanitarian aspects to facility, force, and equipment planning. Major climate threats with an immediate effect on the U.S. military include storms, flooding, drought, desertification, wildfires, and thawing permafrost. Another vital factor is the energy consumption of the U.S. armed forces, the world’s leading military. High energy demands play a complicated role in risk emergence and risk mitigation. The Department of Defense has recognized these threats, however, efficient cooperation with state leadership is necessary to evade risks. The anticipated effects of climate change may prove to be both a challenge and an opportunity for the defense industry.

Download Full Report

About the Author

Yasemin Zeisl

Yasemin Zeisl

Yasemin Zeisl is a Risk Analyst at Global Risk Intelligence. She earned her MSc in International Relations and Affairs from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). She is currently based in Austria. Yasemin is fluent in German and English and possesses advanced Japanese language skills.

Contact Expert