NATO Sec. Gen. Addresses "Potentially Huge Security Implications" Of Climate Breakdown In UK Speech

[hatrack]

Climate change has "potentially huge security implications" and NATO countries should use the alliance as a forum to address the challenges it creates, the new NATO chief said Thursday. Rising sea levels, droughts and falling food production could spark large population movements and conflict, while the melting of Arctic ice risked inflaming tensions in the region, Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said.

"I think it is within the natural scope of work for NATO to be the forum for consultation and discussion on these issues," he told reporters following a speech at a joint NATO and Lloyds conference in London.

The melting of the ice cap in particular was likely to cause tensions, as shipping begins in the previously frozen Northwest Passage and competition breaks out for resources that were formerly under ice, he said.

"The fact that new sea routes will be opened for navigating, the fact that we will get easier access to resources in the Arctic, might also increase the scope of competition in the region," Rasmussen added. "We known from experience that strengthened competition also increases the risks of tensions. And this is the reason why we have to do our utmost to reduce the risk of tensions and take action in due time."

EDIT

http://www.terradaily.com/reports/NATO_chief_warns_of_climate_change_security_risks_999.html

[wuvuj]

1. The bacteria will use up all...

...the growth medium...and the race is on to see which bacteria will finally win. May their bacteria gods bless their races to the finish. We're real proud of them

Which of these groups are you rooting for?