Recent hurricanes Milton and Helene have highlighted climate change as a critical national security threat, surpassing traditional adversaries like terrorism. The Pentagon acknowledges this threat, with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin asserting the urgency of the climate crisis. Historical views of national security, as articulated by FDR, emphasize the importance of safeguarding American citizens’ livelihoods in addition to military concerns. Moving forward, it is vital for policymakers to reconsider national security priorities, incorporating climate change and pandemic preparedness.
The recent devastating impact of two hurricanes has emphasized the reality that rapid climate change poses a more significant threat to American lives than traditional adversaries, such as terrorism or authoritarian regimes. Hurricane Milton has wreaked havoc in Florida, and scientific consensus points to the intensification of storms as a consequence of increasingly warm oceans. Following closely on the heels of Hurricane Helene, which inflicted severe damage as far as inland Asheville, North Carolina, the urgency of addressing climate change has become stark, with Helene’s toll culminating in at least 232 lives lost. The notion of climate change as a national security issue transcends political labels, grounding itself in pragmatic realism. The Department of Defense has prominently identified climate change among the foremost threats confronting the United States. A declaration from U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, made three years prior, states unequivocally, “The climate crisis does.” Such acknowledgment underscores the gravity with which the Pentagon regards issues such as rising sea levels threatening naval locations in Virginia, as well as the influx of climate refugees that exacerbate global conflict, notably in regions facing turmoil like Sudan. Historian Peter Roady’s recent work, The Contest Over National Security, examines how President Franklin Delano Roosevelt viewed national security expansively—not merely as a defense against foreign attacks but as the assurance of American citizens’ well-being and livelihoods. This foundational principle is encapsulated in the establishment of Social Security, introduced in 1935, to provide all Americans with a sense of security against socioeconomic uncertainties. Roosevelt articulated this broader vision of national security during his 1941 State of the Union address, stressing a commitment to ensuring “freedom from want.” However, this conception evolved during the Cold War, narrowing the focus to protecting the nation from external threats, a framing that persisted post-9/11 as articulated by the George W. Bush administration which claimed a commitment to defending against terrorists and tyrants. In light of this recent devastation and existing threats such as pandemics, reframing what constitutes national security is of paramount importance. The COVID-19 pandemic has tragically claimed around 1.2 million lives in the United States—a comparable toll to that of every conflict since the American Revolution. Reports from the nonpartisan COVID Crisis Group indicate that the nation remains inadequately prepared for future pandemics, which could arise due to increased global travel. The catastrophic outcomes of earlier storms may compel politicians to proactively address climate-related risks, such as implementing restrictions on developments in flood-prone areas. In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, it is essential for Americans to reflect on their safety concerning threats like climate change and pandemics. A serious reassessment of national security priorities is overdue.
The article discusses the notion that climate change constitutes an existential threat to national security, drawing parallels between this contemporary challenge and historical perspectives on national security espoused by figures like Franklin Delano Roosevelt. As climate events such as hurricanes and pandemics escalate, the article advocates for a redefinition of national security that encompasses not only military threats but also public health and environmental stability. It outlines the perspective of the U.S. Department of Defense regarding climate change and highlights how historical definitions of national security have evolved over time, particularly in response to external conflicts and domestic challenges.
In conclusion, the devastating impact of hurricanes Milton and Helene serves as a clarion call for a reevaluation of what constitutes national security. The increasing frequency and severity of climate-related disasters necessitate a shift in priority, recognizing climate change and pandemic preparedness as integral to the safety and welfare of American citizens. As the nation grapples with these multifaceted threats, it is imperative that policymakers engage in meaningful discussions to redefine national security in a way that effectively addresses the contemporary challenges at hand.
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