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GAO-22-105830 1 (2022-09-13)

handle is hein.gao/gaonpc0001 and id is 1 raw text is: GAO91 Both the Department of Defense's (DOD) global network of military installations and U.S. civilian infrastructure face climate change and extreme weather-related challenges. Climate change can also increase instability that affects U.S. security interests. GAO previously identified the significant fiscal risk that climate change poses for the U.S. government, with billions of dollars in estimated liabilities. However, climate change also poses national security risks. Figure 1: Selected Climate Effects on National Security S1Fort Irwin in California, which provides live-fire training to soldiers, experienced severe flash flooding in 2013 that caused a loss of power and significant damage to base infrastructure. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reported that the flooding caused more than $65 million in damages. On the Alaskan coast, thawing permafrost, decreasing sea ice, and rising sea level have led to increased erosion affecting '- - 1radar sites providing early warning and communication. In January 2019, we that the effects of climate change may alter migration trends, and some experts and U.S. agencies noted this could contribute to instability and result in national security challenges. Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Virginia, which repairs and modernizes Navy warships, has had as relative sea levels have risen. The installation annually averages three to five significant high tides and one hurricane. Hurricane Michael devastated Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, shutting down most base operations for months and g ,ere to operational infrastructure that supports training pilots for deployment to Air Force combat units. In February 2020, an Air Force oficial estimated that rebuilding the base would cost about $3.6 billion. We that climate change could affect drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. In 2021, we that climate change was expected to have far-reaching effects on the electricity grid, on which both DOD and civilian agencies depend. These effects include decreases in the production and efficiency of transmission of electricity and could cost billions of dollars each year. Source: GAO (information). GAO-22-105830 United States Government Accountability Office DOD and civilian agencies have taken various actions to address climate risks to national security-related infrastructure, including in response to GAO recommendations. For example: In 2021, DOD issued a Climate Adaptation Plan that outlines a strategic framework and lines of effort to address climate vulnerabilities, such as developing resilient infrastructure and supply chains. In 2020, DOD provided guidance to its installations on how to use a site-specific database of sea-level rise projections in planning and project design. In 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency updated a tool it developed to assist water sector utilities in assessing climate-related risks to utility assets and operations. In 2020, the Department of State established a Climate Security and Resilience Program, which is assessing specific risks from climate change and natural hazards to overseas U.S. embassies, consulates, and staff housing. In 2015, the Department of Energy partnered with 18 electric utilities to help them plan for climate change. GAO-22-105830 National Security

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