A computer tablet is used to track a hurricane while in flight during a Hurricane Hunters mission out of Savanah Air National Guard Base, Savanah, GA Airport. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Technical Sgt. Chris Hibben)

Connecting the Climate-Weather Gap to Security

By Kristen Fletcher, Faculty Associate-Research, Energy Academic Group

For the second time, the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval War College, Naval Academy and Marine Corps University convened the Combined Naval Address on Climate, Energy and Environment to highlight different perspectives on climate and security issues. On February 2, the Combined Naval Address featured internationally renowned meteorologist and climate scientist Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd, Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor of Geography and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Georgia.

The impact of a changing climate on installations and servicemen and women has been a priority for DoD for many years. The issuance of multiple Executive Orders and key DoD strategies in 2021 shows the evolution of the U.S. approach to climate change. Entitled "Extreme Weather-Climate Change Connections: Perspectives on science, vulnerability and communications," Dr. Shepherd’s presentation helped participants view climate change, extreme weather and the Navy and DoD approach to climate security through a different lens.

After offering background on climate science, Dr. Shepherd explained the global impacts of climate change, especially the exacerbation of existing inequities around the world. This aligns with DoD’s assessment that climate change contributes to conflict, especially in regions of the world that are already economically and environmentally vulnerable. Dr. Shepherd refers to the “Weather-Climate Gap” as a disproportionate sensitivity to extreme weather-climate events and a delay in the ability to bounce back. He concluded his presentation with suggestions for communicating about climate change and climate science, especially to non-scientists.

Students from NPS and the Naval Academy engaged Dr. Shepherd in discussion including how to integrate climate change into national security strategies, the impact of artificial intelligence in meteorology, and communicating with resource managers. Following the Address, invited faculty from each institution participated in a Roundtable with Dr. Shepherd to discuss these issues in more depth. Dr. Shepherd’s perspectives inform the work of the Naval Education Enterprise and push us to advance solutions to these climate security challenges through research and undergraduate and graduate education.