Lack of U.S. leadership on climate change imperils us

President Donald Trump has declared that climate change is not a national security threat. Yet his own secretary of defense, James Mattis, stated during his confirmation process that “climate change is impacting stability in areas of the world where our troops are operating today” and “climate change … requires a broader, whole-ofgovernment response.”

Mr. Trump proclaims the platitude that “economic security is national security.” But he completely misses the point that climate change undermines economic security.

The World Economic Forum convenes economic leaders each year to assess the state of the world economy and issue a Global Risks Report. WEF participants represent scores of major world businesses including DuPont, Chevron, Dow Chemical, JPMorganand Caterpillar.

In 2016, WEF concluded that “failure of climate change mitigation and adaptation has risen to the top and is perceived in 2016 as the most impactful risk for the years to come.” In 2017, WEF published an analysis of several dozen global economic risks. The five that rank highest in terms of combined impact and likelihood are water crises, extreme weather, natural disasters, failure to take climate action and large-scale involuntary migrations. All of those risks are driven in whole or in part by climate change.

To ignore the guidance of our military professionals is irresponsible. To ignore the analysis of business and economic experts is foolish. Ignoring both places our country and our world at grave risk. All Americans should do whatever they can to oppose our current foolish and irresponsible leadership. ROBERT R. MITCHELL

Murrysville