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• Monday, June 30, 2008 06:14 PM

  Pentagon Report: Global Warming Threatens National Security

  In 2003 the Pentagon commissioned a report declaring that "because of the potentially dire consequences" global warming "should be elevated beyond a scientific debate to a U.S. national security concern."

  Excerpts from the executive summary:

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  An Abrupt Climate Change Scenario and Its Implications for United States National Security

  October 2003

  There is substantial evidence to indicate that significant global warming will occur during the 21st century... global warming could lead to a relatively abrupt slowing of the ocean's thermohaline conveyor, which could lead to harsher winter weather conditions, sharply reduced soil moisture, and more intense winds in certain regions that currently provide a significant fraction of the world's food production. With inadequate preparation, the result could be a significant drop in the human carrying capacity of the Earth's environment.

  The report explores how such an abrupt climate change scenario could potentially de-stabilize the geo-political environment, leading to skirmishes, battles, and even war due to resource constraints...

  As global and local carrying capacities are reduced, tensions could mount... Nations with the resources to do so may build virtual fortresses around their countries, preserving resources for themselves. Less fortunate nations especially those with ancient enmities with their neighbors, may initiate in struggles for access to food, clean water, or energy. Unlikely alliances could be formed as defense priorities shift and the goal is resources for survival rather than religion, ideology, or national honor...

  There are some indications today that global warming has reached the threshold where the thermohaline circulation could start to be significantly impacted...

  This report suggests that, because of the potentially dire consequences, the risk of abrupt climate change, although uncertain and quite possibly small, should be elevated beyond a scientific debate to a U.S. national security concern.

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  http://www.global2000.at/files/Pentagon_Studie.doc

  —Publicola Read Publicola's other letters
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