State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

national security

  • Why Climate Change Is a National Security Risk

    Why Climate Change Is a National Security Risk

    The U.S. Defense Department regards climate change as a “threat multiplier” that exacerbates existing environmental stresses and national security risks, and affects everything it does.

  • Preparing for and Responding to Routine “Emergency” Threats to Our Security

    Preparing for and Responding to Routine “Emergency” Threats to Our Security

    The threats to our security are real and require a rational and strategic response. Let’s hope we can produce one.

  • Meeting at UN Security Council Discusses Climate Change and Conflict

    Meeting at UN Security Council Discusses Climate Change and Conflict

    The council discussed the security implications of the changing climate and debated what the council’s role should be in this issue.

  • Disaster Recovery and Reconstruction is a National Security Issue

    Disaster Recovery and Reconstruction is a National Security Issue

    National security is about protecting the safety and way of life of the American people. It is the single most important responsibility of government. We need to get past dysfunction and treat natural and human made disaster response and recovery as a national security issue.

  • The Changing Climate of Security

    The Changing Climate of Security

    In the November Democratic presidential primary debate, Sen. Bernie Sanders said that the greatest threat to national security was climate change. But is there actually a link between national security and climate change, and if so, what is it?

  • Climate and the Border: Why Rising Temperatures Will Add Immigration Challenges

    Climate and the Border: Why Rising Temperatures Will Add Immigration Challenges

    When experts warn of the consequences of global climate change, they usually cite impacts on natural systems. They tell us that ice caps will melt, sea levels will rise, extreme weather will become more common, droughts will increase in frequency, oceans will become more acidic and so on. In recent years, we have also come…

  • Climate & Terrorism – Linked?

    Dennis Blair is a serious man. A retired, four-star admiral with a legendary knack for water skiing behind his warships, the multi-talented Blair currently serves as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) under President Obama. This position oversees the 16 national intelligence agencies, coordinating their efforts while informing the policy makers – including the President,…

Colorful banner image over Earth with text "Open House Discover Science, October 19, 2024, 10am to 4pm

Join us on Saturday, October 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Open House! Celebrate 75 years of science with us at our beautiful Palisades, NY campus. The event is free and open to everyone, with a suggested $5 donation. Learn More and RSVP

  • Why Climate Change Is a National Security Risk

    Why Climate Change Is a National Security Risk

    The U.S. Defense Department regards climate change as a “threat multiplier” that exacerbates existing environmental stresses and national security risks, and affects everything it does.

  • Preparing for and Responding to Routine “Emergency” Threats to Our Security

    Preparing for and Responding to Routine “Emergency” Threats to Our Security

    The threats to our security are real and require a rational and strategic response. Let’s hope we can produce one.

  • Meeting at UN Security Council Discusses Climate Change and Conflict

    Meeting at UN Security Council Discusses Climate Change and Conflict

    The council discussed the security implications of the changing climate and debated what the council’s role should be in this issue.

  • Disaster Recovery and Reconstruction is a National Security Issue

    Disaster Recovery and Reconstruction is a National Security Issue

    National security is about protecting the safety and way of life of the American people. It is the single most important responsibility of government. We need to get past dysfunction and treat natural and human made disaster response and recovery as a national security issue.

  • The Changing Climate of Security

    The Changing Climate of Security

    In the November Democratic presidential primary debate, Sen. Bernie Sanders said that the greatest threat to national security was climate change. But is there actually a link between national security and climate change, and if so, what is it?

  • Climate and the Border: Why Rising Temperatures Will Add Immigration Challenges

    Climate and the Border: Why Rising Temperatures Will Add Immigration Challenges

    When experts warn of the consequences of global climate change, they usually cite impacts on natural systems. They tell us that ice caps will melt, sea levels will rise, extreme weather will become more common, droughts will increase in frequency, oceans will become more acidic and so on. In recent years, we have also come…

  • Climate & Terrorism – Linked?

    Dennis Blair is a serious man. A retired, four-star admiral with a legendary knack for water skiing behind his warships, the multi-talented Blair currently serves as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) under President Obama. This position oversees the 16 national intelligence agencies, coordinating their efforts while informing the policy makers – including the President,…