Climate Change and Military Planning in the United States

Changes in US military planning approaches in the context of climate threats are examined, focusing on the impact of climate change on national and international security. The evolution of the perception of climate phenomena as a risk is analyzed, starting with the policies of the Barack Obama administration and including the measures of the Joe Biden administration. It is noted that climate change is viewed not only as a direct threat to military facilities but also as a factor that can exacerbate social and political tensions and cause migration crises and regional conflicts. One of the key points is the integration of climate risks into the strategic planning of the US Department of Defense, which is reflected in a number of directives and strategies, such as the Climate Adaptation Plan and the Climate Risk Analysis. Particular attention is paid to the development of the geopolitical DoD Climate Assessment Tool (DCAT), which assesses the vulnerability of military installations to climate change. Legislative initiatives in the US Congress to support the DoD’s efforts to mitigate climate change and increase the resilience of military infrastructure are also examined. Examples of specific measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, developing clean energy, and improving energy efficiency are provided. Special attention is paid to the US Arctic Strategy, which recognizes climate change as a key driver affecting security in the region. Strategic documents repeatedly emphasize the importance of interagency cooperation and strategic planning in the changing climate to minimize risks to US military readiness and national interests.