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John Podesta

President Obama's approach to energy should be viewed in a broader context than just long term economic sustainability, argued former Clinton Chief of Staff John Podesta at the Center for National Policy's annual Policy Day.  Looking at energy as a security issue as well, Podesta believes, will help energy policy reform efforts attain the urgency of purpose it deserves.

The understanding of energy as a national security issue and imperative has thus far been scattershot, said Podesta, arguing that "the 'oil threat' is well known."  Many policymakers and opinion leader, he believes, already fully appreciate that many major oil-producing nations are unstable, often hostile to the United States and its interests and divert oil revenues to terrorist groups.

However, oil and its attendant problems are just one piece of the larger challenge of climate change, said Podesta.  Climate change – the significant changes in temperatures and weather patterns that result from increases in man-manmade carbon dioxide emissions – poses a host of challenges that are best understood, albeit infrequently-so, within a national security framework.

The ripple effects from climate change, even if drastic carbon reduction measures were implemented immediately, present real challenges to internationals security and stability, said Podesta.  Rising temperatures have the potential to affect the availability of water in certain regions, negatively impacting agricultural production.  Further, he said, increases in the intensity of extreme weather phenomena have the potential to cause devastation in the affected areas, potentially creating large refugee populations.  The regions that are likely to feel the adverse affects of climate change the soonest, Podesta noted, are also the least well equipped to cope with its effects.  Sub Saharan Africa, already burdened by extreme poverty and instability, specified Podesta, is likely to suffer from further increased droughts and their consequent effects on agriculture.  

The net effect of the dramatic environmental changes associated with climate change, Podesta stated, has the potential to affect both global and American security.  As certain regions are no longer able to sustain their populations, the potential for immigration pressures on the United States and Europe will rise.  More importantly, the geopolitics of critical resources such as water could sharpen in drought-hit areas, potentially catalyzing several conflicts.  

Recognizing these impending pressures as legitimate international security challenges, Podesta concluded, will help policymakers address climate change and energy policy with due seriousness.