Why U.S. National Security Leaders Are Dismissing Climate Research Amid Rising Global Threats

Climate change poses serious challenges to national security, from triggering devastating weather events to complicating submarine detection in warming seas. The U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence has labeled climate change a top security threat in its assessments, right alongside terrorism and cyberattacks. However, in a surprising turn, the latest report issued in March 2025 didn’t mention climate change at all.

Experts attribute this omission to the Trump administration’s move to downplay climate issues within defense strategies. Earlier this year, the Pentagon canceled multiple studies on climate-related risks and reduced contracts focused on climate change. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth openly dismissed climate concerns, stating on social media that the Department of Defense prioritizes training and combat over climate “distractions.”

Yet, research shows that climate change can undermine military readiness. It acts as a “threat multiplier,” complicating operations and increasing risks during missions. For instance, severe storms can force military evacuations, as evidenced by Hurricane Milton’s impact on Florida last October. Following such events, adversaries like Russia and China have exploited the chaos, using misinformation tactics to instigate divisions.

Climate effects are not limited to the battlefield. They also lead to food and water shortages, instigating conflicts in vulnerable regions worldwide. As Jason Bordoff from Columbia University pointed out, these conflicts can trigger large-scale migrations, straining resources in host countries and further destabilizing areas.

The past can provide context for current dangers. Some experts trace the U.S. military’s concern about climate to the early Cold War when melting Arctic regions raised alarms about Soviet invasions. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that climate change was formally recognized as a national security issue. The Pentagon’s 2003 report highlighted the potential for climate change to destabilize global order, prompting increased funding for related research.

Today, potential crises are mounting. Droughts and rising sea levels are exacerbating resource scarcity, leading to conflicts like those seen in Central America. Emmett Duffy, chief scientist at the Smithsonian, reflected on historical tensions, such as the “Cod Wars” between Britain and Iceland over fishing rights. These fishing disputes among NATO members illustrate that climate and resource conflicts are often not confined to developing nations.

As climate-related threats grow, the Trump administration’s defunding of research poses significant risks. In March 2025, the Defense Secretary announced the cancellation of 91 research projects exploring climate impacts on migration and global instability, effectively stifling crucial science-based strategies for national security—a sentiment echoed by experts who recognize the need for informed responses to climate shocks.

Compounding these issues, cuts to agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration threaten weather prediction accuracy, which is vital for military preparedness. A recent budget proposal indicated similar cuts at NASA, raising concerns about future disaster response capabilities.

Researchers are urging the importance of science in addressing these interconnected crises. According to Duffy, understanding the complex relationships between nature, economies, and societies is essential for global survival.

As we face this generational challenge, national security and climate research must become priorities again to ensure that nations are equipped to handle the inevitable impacts of climate change.

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