Military intervention to deal with flooding, pandemics, mass migration… all as a result of climate change? Seven hundred million people displaced by the middle of the century? A very real possibility, according to scientists and analysts. Rising oceans threaten not only our sense of security at home, but various vital agricultural sources and governmental stability as well. The effects of even slight rising temperatures could devastate communities and divide families. This very direct threat to national security, economy, etc. is in dire need of proactive measures—before catastrophic events invade our integrity as well as irrevocably alter the landscape.

“Recent war games and intelligence studies conclude that over the next 20 to 30 years, vulnerable regions, particularly sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and South and Southeast Asia, will face the prospect of food shortages, water crises and catastrophic flooding driven by climate change that could demand an American humanitarian relief or military response.” Read the article.

Twenty years is hot minute in the grand scheme of things. In a mere two decades, our children will not just witness, but also experience the ferocity of global warming. Check out the Union of Concerned Scientists’ global warming site to see how you can encourage community involvement and influence U.S. action and policy.

by Lindsey Kesel