Hillary Clinton Proposal to Address National Security Risks Posed by Global Warming Signed Into Law

Measure Included in the FY 2008 Department of Defense Authorization Act

January 29, 2008 -- Washington, DC — Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton announced that the revised Fiscal Year 2008 Department of Defense Authorization Act signed into law by the President on Monday includes the measure she introduced to consider the national security risks posed by global warming. The provision will require the Pentagon to address these risks in the National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy and Quadrennial Defense Review.

"Global climate change presents complex and far-reaching national security challenges in the years ahead. It is long past time that we start taking these challenges seriously," Senator Clinton said. "This measure will help us come to terms with that reality."

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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