The U.S. National Security Risks of a Changing Climate

TRAVERSE CITY — With global sea levels projected to rise several feet in the next century, the U.S. military has recognized climate change as one of the greatest national security challenges. U.S. military bases, global shipping routes, ports, sea lanes and harbors will all be affected. Conflicts and dislocations caused by desertification, floods and crop failures represent another layer of effects that have compelled military planners to consider how to prepare and to minimize the impact on U.S. security.

Rear Admiral David W. Titley, USN (ret.) is a nationally known expert in the field of climate, the Arctic, and National Security. A naval officer for 32 years, Titley initiated and led the US Navy’s Task Force on Climate Change and later served as the head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. He is the founder of Penn State University ’s Center for Solutions to Weather and Climate Risk, where he is professor in the Department of Meteorology.

The IAF is affiliated with NMC and the World Affairs Council of America. All lectures are held in the Dennos Museum Center's Milliken Auditorium on the NMC campus at 6 p.m., with a reception prior to the lecture from 5:15 to 6 p.m. Admission is free to all students and educators, and $10 for others. Subscriber tickets for the entire season are available; visit www.tciaf.com or call (231) 995-1700 for more information.

IAF lectures are rebroadcast on UpNorth TV public access cable television three times a week, and available online for streaming on demand. Board members also produce “Beyond the Headlines,” a roundtable-style interview program that focuses on current foreign affairs issues and airs on UpNorth TV.

Release Date: october 11, 2016

For More Information:

Major General Brian Bishop, USAF (ret.)
International Affairs Forum Vice Chair
bbop16@mac.com
(231) 620-7228