The purpose of this study is to examine the national security consequences of climate change. The specific questions addressed in this report are: What conditions are climate changes likely to produce around the world that would represent security risks to the United States?; What are the ways in which these conditions may affect America’s national security interests?; What actions should the nation take to address the national security consequences of climate change?

The German Advisory Council on Global Change (WBGU) is convinced that a new climate policy dynamic is required worldwide. Currently, all eyes are on Germany: its Presidency of the Council of the European Union and Presidency of G8 offer a dual opportunity to drive climate protection forward. The Council‘s core messages are as follows: climate protection is both worthwhile and feasible, further development of the UN climate convention, making the most of the G8 Summit at Heiligendamm, and reaffirming the European Union‘s leading role.