WASHINGTON — The U.S. military’s ability to operate during extreme weather such as Hurricane Sandy is good now, but may be vulnerable before long.
“I think the processes in place for relocating military installations due to weather and climate are good,” said Guy Seely, executive vice president at Atmospheric and Environmental Research in Lexington, Mass. “Our military adapts.”
He cautions, though, that some NASA and National Weather Service budget proposals include cuts that may impact satellite monitoring of the environment and severe weather.
According to the NWS and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Obama Administration’s proposed 2013 budget calls for more than $36 million in reductions to the NWS research and operations. The satellite funds were increased, but by $2 million.
“For the military to be able to work, we need to monitor weather in real-time and at all times,” Seely said. “If there’s a lack of understanding in what’s going on with weather in another part of the world, it could leave us in the dark with some national security threats.”
Seely and his company work with all branches of the Department of Defense on weather planning and monitoring. He said that most military actions as a result of weather are typically repositioning efforts for ships, aircraft and troops to ensure their safety.
But within our borders, weather can pose a threat to our own people that tanks and ships cannot stop.
According to the National Weather Service, there were 1,096 deaths due to severe weather in 2011. That number is more than the two other years’ prior combined. In 2010 there were 490 deaths and 373 in 2009.
“Climate change has a difficult political dimension along with it,” Seely said. “I worry about the military and other agencies being able to make practical decisions about the climate when there are political ramifications at stake.”
The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to a request for comment on weather threats along our borders and within the continental U.S.
Seely mentions that he thinks climate change will increase and cause more changes for Americans and for our military over time. But because of the military’s track record with scenario planning for weather, he doesn’t see that as an issue.
He says that eventually, the changes that are happening will cause all people on all political parties to stop and pay attention.
“For example, regardless of your position on climate change, it’s undeniable that the Arctic Ocean has reduced ice cover and with that there is potential for travel through it during the summer months,” he said. “Our military will have to adapt to that, and plan accordingly.”
Seely also provided an example for how the potential reduction in satellite monitoring could impact national security.
“Say in a total hypothetical situation that parts of China were undergoing a severe drought. We’d want to know about the stresses on a government like that one, because it could affect relations,” he said.
