Climate security has brought environmentalists and militaries across the world into a unique accord: both are concerned by the effects that climate change does and will have on existing situations of insecurity. The U.S. Department of Defense declared the threat of climate change impacts a very serious national security vulnerability that, among other things, could enable further terrorist activity. They deem climate change a “threat multiplier.”
In areas already affected by poverty, political instability, social tensions and environmental degradation, mass migrations, food scarcity, lack of freshwater and competition for resources can result from rising sea levels, changing weather patterns and other pressures caused by climate change.
Join Chicago Council on Science and Technology (C2ST) and the American Security Project (ASP), a non-partisan think tank devoted to educating the American public about the changing state of national security, for a panel discussion about climate change as it relates to global and national security, and impacts on the Midwestern region.
The American Security Project believes the world is a global community, and true security can no longer be determined by military power alone. Founded by Senators John Kerry and Chuck Hagel, the American Security Project is made up of a diverse group of CEO’s, former members of congress, retired military generals, and other prominent officials. ASP aims to empower the public to make informed, intelligent decisions. Their current focuses include economic competitiveness, climate and energy research, nuclear proliferation, the international sea treaty.
Speakers from ASP include Brigadier General Stephen A. Cheney, USMC (Ret.), whose military career included tours as Deputy Executive Secretary to Defense Secretaries Cheney and Aspin; Brigadier General Steve Anderson (Ret.), CMO of a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business that provides logistics to our troops deployed in the combat zone; and climate scientist Andrew Holland, who, prior to joining ASP, served as a legislative assistant on Energy, Environment, and Infrastructure for United States Senator Chuck Hagel. Atmospheric scientist and University of Chicago researcher Elisabeth Moyer will add a Midwest perspective to the discussion. Moyer is co-director of the university’s Center for Robust Decision making on Climate and Energy Policy.
In addition to our public program, C2ST and ASP will be conducting a two-day series of meetings with high-level city, state, and other key decision makers; climate, energy and public policy experts; and members of the press. You will not want to miss this event.
C2ST Members Free / $5 students / $10 affiliate institutions / $20 regular admission.
Discounted parking will be made available to the first 50 attendees at the 222 E. Huron St. garage.
To register or for more information contact Andrea Poet at 312-567-5795 (ofc), 773-505-6007(cell), or apoet@c2st.org.
