Heinrich To Participate In Climate Crisis Hearing On National Security Risks Of Climate Change

WASHINGTON – At 8 a.m. MT/10 a.m. ET, on Thursday, February 13 on Capitol Hill, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) will participate in a hearing of the Senate Special Committee on the Climate Crisis entitled, “Understanding and Combating the Security Risks of Climate Change.”

The committee will hear from experts on how the risks created by climate change impact our country’s national security. The witnesses will also describe the costs the Department of Defense (DoD) is facing and propose policies that can help solve the problems discussed.

DoD has long observed that climate change poses a risk to military readiness. During the hearing, experts will focus on two key aspects: threats to critical infrastructure and climate change as a threat multiplier. Extreme and more frequent weather events due to climate change, like flooding, droughts, wildfires, and storms, pose immediate threats to the safety of key military installations and training ranges worldwide. Additionally, the climate change crisis is considered a “threat multiplier” because it exacerbates the myriad challenges facing the world's most vulnerable poplutions. 

***Press interested in attending should RSVP at press@heinrich.senate.gov or call (202) 228-1578.***

Washington, D.C. – Thursday, February 13, 2020

WHO:  U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich

WHAT: Special Committee on the Climate Crisis Hearing: Understanding and Combating the Security Risks of Climate Change

WHEN: 8 a.m. MT/10 a.m. ET

WHERE: Room 210-212, Senate Visitors Center (SVC), U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.

WITNESSES:

• Rear Admiral Ann C. Phillips, United States Navy (Retired)
• The Honorable John Conger, Director, Center for Climate and Security Andrew Holland,
• Chief Operating Officer, American Security Project

LIVESTREAM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=DPi63s9UcJk&feature=youtu.be