WASHINGTON, DC — Global climate change presents a serious national security threat that could affect Americans at home, impact U.S. military operations, and heighten global tensions, finds a study released today by a blue-ribbon panel of 11 of the most senior retired U.S. admirals and generals. Climate change, national security and energy dependence are a related set of global challenges that will add to tensions even in stable regions of the world, found the panel, known as the Military Advisory Board. ‘We will pay for this one way or another,’ said retired Marine Corps General Anthony Zinni, former commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East. ‘We will pay to reduce greenhouse gas emissions today, and we’ll have to take an economic hit of some kind. Or, we will pay the price later in military terms. And that will involve human lives. There will be a human toll.’ ‘The U.S. should commit to a stronger national and international role to help stabilize climate changes at levels that will avoid significant disruption to global security and stability,’ the Military Advisory Board recommends. The study, ‘National Security and the Threat of Climate Change,’ explores ways in which climate […]