April 16, 2007
David McNew, National Public Radio

Morning Edition, April 16, 2007
We're used to hearing scientists warn us about climate change. Now a group of retired generals and admirals says global warming could provoke serious national security threats.

Climate change could create land loss, mass migrations, loss of natural resources, and increased demands on water that may exacerbate or cause conflict — "all things that could have some sort of effect on our ecurity interests around the world," says retired Gen. Anthony Zinni, a member of the military advisory panel.

For example, climate change and its impact on already-scarce water resources could exacerbate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, said Zinni, who formerly commanded U.S. forces in the Middle East.

"Even a small change of 2 to 3 degrees in one direction could be the difference between a management problem [and] a catastrophe," Zinni tells Renee Montagne.

Read the Report
"The consequences of climate change can affect the organization, training, equipping and planning of the military services," retired generals and admirals say in a new report -- National Security and the Threat of Climate Change

Retired Gen. Anthony Zinni was among 11 former generals and admirals on the military advisory board that examined the potential threats of climate change to national security.

Original Audio Report Here