DOD Adapts Operations to Evolving Climate Threats

The Department of Defense has acknowledged the operational challenges posed by climate change and is taking steps to maintain its resilience and military advantage.

At a recent climate event hosted by the U.S. Military Academy, Kathleen Hicks, deputy secretary of defense, a past Potomac Officers Club event speaker and a past Wash100 awardee, emphasized the national security implications of climate change, noting that climate-induced disruptions, such as floods and droughts, hinder military readiness, Defense .gov reported.

To address the said risks, the Pentagon has integrated climate adaptation measures across its operations, aligning with President Joe Biden’s whole-of-government climate change directives. Apart from developing climate adaptation plans, the Biden administration also tasks federal agencies to report their progress in meeting their goals.

The DOD’s 2021 Climate Adaptation Plan guides the said efforts, focusing on climate-informed decisions, preparing combat forces for extreme conditions, building resilient infrastructure, optimizing supply chains and enhancing collaboration with allies.

The DOD is expected to release a more detailed adaptation plan for 2024 to 2027 in the summer, outlining further steps to maintain operational capability while navigating changing climate conditions.