"The IISS report states that “The earth is warming, and has been for at least a century,” with this being “directly attributable to the increasing emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.” As a result, “Climate change may already be changing weather and precipitation patterns” and will continue to drive extreme weather events and changes in water resources (through flood, drought, and rising sea levels), and it will adversely affect global food and energy production." This quote comes not from an environmental pressure group but from security experts drawn from US and UK military and intelligence communities."
It might be considered unusual for the medical and military professions to concur. But on this subject we do. Climate change poses an immediate and grave threat, driving ill health and increasing the risk of conflict, such that each feeds on the other. And like all good medicine, prevention is the key. The IISS report stresses the need for “sustained investment in infrastructure and new technologies” of which “a shift to renewable energy sources will be the most visible effect of efforts to mitigate emissions.” Approaches that reduce demand, including efforts to increase efficiency, are also required."
So, as the Tea party shutdown snowball continues, the House is unwilling to budge on the EPA-restrictive riders forcing them not to use their regulatory authority that was UPHELD BY THE SUPREME COURT; and yet climate change poses increasing risks to the health of humans around the world and also to our own national security as it exacerbates societal conflicts in many regions of the world -- particularly arid regions which will be under increasing freshwater resource stress.
Climate change, ill health, and conflict
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