Worldwide Emerging Environmental Issues Affecting the U.S. Military. Summarizing Environmental Security Monthly Scanning January 2008 - June 2008

摘要

The dramatic increase in world attention to climate change is helping more people understand that the world's environment is a matter of national and global security. Half the world is vulnerable to social instability and violence due to numerous pressures: rising oil and food prices; decreasing water-food-energy supply per person; climate change; and increasing migrations stemming from political, environmental, and economic conditions. Environment is an increasingly important component in forecasting future conflicts. Scientists, policy analysts, and military planners are collaborating to prevent or reduce security threats. Environmental diplomacy is increasingly being used to support conflict prevention efforts and to build international confidence. International environmental governance is improving, and the technological ability to identify environmental threats and crimes is becoming cost-effective through new sensors and communication systems. Environmental damages that people and organizations got away with in the past are less likely to escape detection and punishment in the future.