The Scouting Report: Restore American Leadership to Address Transnational Threats

Transcript

12:41 [Comment From Josh G., Georgetown]
What's the link between climate change and global/U.S. security? I understand that climate change is a threat to the planet, but how does the issue play out as a security issue?

12:44 Reader Poll
Do you think Barack Obama is prepared to revitalize American leadership in the international system?
Yes (100%)
No (0%)

12:46 Carlos Pascual:
Climate change has a major and direct impact on local and regional conflicts creating greater pressure on the availability of land and water. One might think about Darfur as the first climate change war and we will see similar trends occur throughout the Sahel and through other parts of the world where human pressures on land and water availability are intense. Climate change will also have major impacts on the very viability of countries and regions throughout the world. Imagine for example Bangladesh under water and the migration flows that will result, into already volatile surrounding countries. Within the western hemisphere, we will see greater migration pressures into the United States and greater tensions in areas such as the southwest where land and water are already scarce.

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