Senator Clinton Announces Final Congressional Approval of Her Measure to Address National Security Risks Posed by Global Warming

Legislation Now Goes to the President's Desk to Be Signed Into Law

December 14, 2007 -- Washington, DC – Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton announced today that the Senate has approved a measure she introduced to require the Department of Defense to consider the national security risks posed by global warming. The amendment, approved as part of the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, will require the Pentagon to address these risks in the National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy and Quadrennial Defense Review. Having been approved by both chambers of Congress, the legislation now goes to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“Our nation cannot afford to ignore any of the risks posed by global warming, especially where those risks may threaten our national security. Congress’s vote today will ensure that the administration is adequately addressing this challenge and taking steps to minimize the security threats posed by climate change,” said Senator Clinton.

The Clinton amendment implements many of the recommendations of a report authored by eleven retired three and four-star admirals and generals and released by the CNA Corporation in April. The study, “National Security and the Threat of Climate Change,” concluded that global warming presents a “serious national security threat.” The study examines how projected climate changes, such as rising sea levels, more intense tropical storms, increased flooding and drought, will have destabilizing impacts, including reduced access to fresh water, impaired food production, and displacement of major populations. The study concludes that these impacts could act as a “threat multiplier” and increase the potential for failed states, cause mass migrations that add to global tensions, and increase conflict over resources.

Source: Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton

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