Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Md., is hosting “Adapting to Climate and Energy Challenges: Options for US Maritime Forces,” on 29-30 March, an in-depth symposium covering how changes in climate and energy availability may impact the US Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
A newly released report by the National Research Council concluded that in response to the measured and projected effects of climate change, US naval forces—i.e., the US Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard—should begin now to strengthen operational capabilities in the Arctic, prepare for more frequent humanitarian missions, and analyze potential vulnerabilities of seaside bases and facilities. (Earlier post.)
The symposium, which will be held at APL’s Kossiakoff Center, features presentations and roundtable discussions on the options available to these services as they tackle challenges imposed by changes in global climate and energy supply and demand.
Conference organizer Dr. Dean Simmons, of APL’s National Security Analysis Department, says that US maritime forces are likely to be more affected by climate change than land or air forces.
The melting of arctic ice opens up a new ocean environment—and vast resources—that the Navy hasn’t had much access to in the past. Rising sea levels impact bases all over the world. And the search for alternative energy sources continues as rising fuel prices take money away from other operations. That’s what shaped this program; we’re talking specifically about how climate change and energy demands affect Navy strategy, plans and operations, as well as infrastructure and research priorities.
—Dean Simmons
Scheduled speakers include Adm. Jonathan Greenert, vice chief of Naval Operations; Rear Adm. Philip Cullom, director of the Navy Energy and Environmental Readiness Division and head of the Navy’s Task Force Energy; and Rear Adm. David Titley, oceanographer of the Navy and head of the Navy’s Task Force Climate Change. The roundtable discussions and panels will include senior representatives from the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, providing an integrated perspective across a wide scope of climate and energy challenges. The conference will also feature use of interactive electronic groupware, to encourage audience participation in the discussions.
Symposium co-sponsors include APL, CNA (which operates the Center for Naval Analyses and the Institute for Public Research), Navy Task Force Climate Change, Navy Task Force Energy and the Global Assimilation of Information for Action (GAIA), an APL-funded effort aimed at developing a framework for identifying and acting on critical climate challenges in public health and national security.