This is the VOA Special English Development
Report.
American officials have been warned that climate change presents a serious
threat to national security. The warning came from a group of former military
leaders from all of the United States armed services.
They released a study, published by a research organization. The nonprofit
CNA Corporation brought together eleven retired admirals and generals. Among them was retired
Marine General Anthony Zinni, who commanded American forces in the Middle East.
March 5, 2007: US soldier with NATO-led International Security Assistance
Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan's Farah province
They say effects of climate
change should be considered in national security and defense planning. They also
say the United States should take a stronger part in helping to limit climate
changes at levels that will avoid conflicts.
The study describes climate change as a "threat multiplier." Changes in the
weather could lead, for example, to fights over water or other resources in
areas already at risk of conflict.
A worsening of conditions can lead to failed states, it says, and that can
create fertile grounds for extremism and terrorism. The report warns of a danger
of added tensions even in politically secure areas of the world.
Sherri Goodman headed the project. She says two senators have already
proposed legislation to further some of the ideas in the study. The two are
Chuck Hagel of Nebraska and Dick Durban of Illinois.
The report came out last Monday, one day before the United Nations Security
Council met to discuss the issue of energy, security and the climate. This was
the first time the council has debated climate-related security threats. British
Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett led the debate. Britain holds the council
presidency this month.
More than fifty U.N. delegations attended the day-long meeting in New York.
Some delegates questioned if the council was going outside its main
responsibility to prevent wars and protect world peace. Many of these delegates
were from developing countries. They said climate change is an economic and
social development issue for the General Assembly to consider.
China’s representative noted the importance of existing international
agreements to deal with climate change.
But delegates from mostly small island nations welcomed the debate. The
representative from Papua New Guinea spoke for the Pacific Islands Forum. He
said the effects of climate change for small island populations are similar to
any refugee crisis in larger nations in conflict.
And that's the VOA Special English Development Report, written by Jill Moss.
I’m Steve Ember.
admiral : 海軍上將
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