Co-Sponsor: Environment & Energy Professional Interest Council (EEPIC)
Join us for the second installment of the 2014-15 HKS Environmental Film Series with "EXTREME REALITIES: The Link Between Severe Weather, Climate Change, and Our National Security." This 55-minute film examines the link between severe weather events and resulting civil unrest and the implications on our national security.
Before the screening, we will have introductory remarks by Harvard professor Dr. James J. McCarthy, a global climate expert and board chair, Union of Concerned Scientists. Discussants: LT Katie Burkhart, US Navy Reserve & HKS Master in Public Policy candidate & CAPT Michael A. Mullen, US Coast Guard & Harvard National Security Fellow. All three are concerned about climate change impact on the Arctic: Dr. McCarthy is a member of the US Arctic Research Commission; CAPT Mullen served as Executive Officer at Air Station Kodiak in Alaska; and LT Burkhart recently attended the 2014 Arctic Circle Assembly as a representative of Supreme NATO Allied Command.
"EXTREME REALITIES" illustrates how climate change impacts, such as hotter temperatures and rising sea levels, can act as the sparks contributing to events like the Arab Spring and even provide leverage for terrorism networks around the globe.
The documentary was produced by Emmy-Award winning filmmakers Marilyn and Hal Weiner, and narrated by Matt Damon. It premiered as the 13th episode of the award-winning PBS series Journey to Planet Earth and has won acclaim at film festivals around the world.
This timely film follows the recent release of the Department of Defense's 2014 Climate Change Adaptation Roadmap, which details their strategy for mitigating future effects of climate change on national security operations, both domestically and abroad. In the report, US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel describes climate change as a threat that "will intensify the challenges of global instability, hunger, poverty, and conflict. They will likely lead to food and water shortages, pandemic disease, disputes over refugees and resources, and destruction by natural disasters in regions across the globe."
Pizza and refreshments served.
