Bob Dole: “nearly a year ago, I began working on the Climate Security Act with two Senators, both of whom I also serve with on the…”

“nearly a year ago, I began working on the Climate Security Act with two Senators, both of whom I also serve with on the Armed Services Committee. As members of that committee, we have worked together to write and pass defense authorization bills to strengthen our national security and support our military. Senators Joe Lieberman and John Warner have moved the issue of climate security forward in the American dialogue, and I join them in that effort. I understand this bill is viewed by most as an environmental bill-- which it is--but it is also essential to our national security. Just a few weeks ago, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates talked about the threats our Nation faces. He said, ``Rather than one, single entity-- the Soviet Union--and one, single animating ideology--communism--we are instead facing challenges from multiple sources: a new, more malignant form of terrorism inspired by jihadist extremism, ethnic strife, disease, poverty, climate change, failed and failing states, resurgent powers, and so on.'' Of the threats Secretary Gates articulated, we know the predicted negative ramifications of climate change could initiate a chain-reaction of events such as severe drought or floods that diminish food supply and displace millions of people. Additionally, last year 11 retired three-star and four-star admirals and generals issued a report, National Security and the Threat of Climate Change.”