"I’m here today to say climate change constitutes a serious threat to global security, an immediate risk to our national security."
President Barack Obama
President Barack Obama visited New London on Wednesday to give the keynote address at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy's 134th commencement. He told the new ensigns the Coast Guard is on the front line to help combat and adapt to climate change.
Obama pointed out that some politicians refuse to admit climate change is real. But he said it's one of the most severe threats we face, telling the graduates it increases the risk of instability and conflict around the world.
"No nation is immune," Obama said. "So I’m here today to say climate change constitutes a serious threat to global security, an immediate risk to our national security. And make no mistake, it will impact how our military defends our country and so we need to act and we need to act now."
Obama said climate change is leading to extreme storms, and it will mean more humanitarian missions so security forces including the Coast Guard will need to be ready. Obama also brought up how the Arctic has opened up, and what this means for the U.S., which has more than 1,000 miles of Arctic coastline in Alaska.
"The United States is an Arctic nation, and we have a great interest in making sure the region is peaceful, that its indigenous people and environment and protected," Obama said. "And that its resources are managed responsibly in partnership with other nations. And that means all of you will have to step up because few no the Arctic better than the U.S. Coast Guard."
The president said the politics won't be easy, but the country needs to build more efficiently and invest in energy research and renewable technologies. He said the U.S. will continue to lead efforts to reduce total global emissions.
Below are some tweets from the event and nearby:
U.S. Coast Guard Band with pre-commencement entertainment in New London. pic.twitter.com/6YA66rWcji
— Vanessa de la Torre (@vdelatorre) May 20, 2015
Cadets take their places before the arrival of @potus #uscga pic.twitter.com/lTGvMk8drB
— Harriet Jones (@wnprharriet) May 20, 2015
@POTUS has arrived at the Coast Guard Commencement. His motorcade just parked.
— Max Reiss (@MaxReiss) May 20, 2015
Class of 2015 now walking in #CGAgrad pic.twitter.com/kZUx4ZYKcu
— Julia Bergman (@JuliaSBergman) May 20, 2015
President Obama arrives at CGA at the start of ceremonies #CGAgrad @thedayct pic.twitter.com/2G6KVGIcDw
— Tim Cook (@timcookmedia) May 20, 2015
Distinguished Honor Graduate Justin Sherman now speaking. He's won a host of awards and is from Ohio. #CGAgrad
— Lindsay Boyle (@LindsayABoyle) May 20, 2015
Obama was at #CGAgrad last in 2011, but there is plenty POTUS history here. Photo gallery: http://t.co/JDKD7Gzw57 pic.twitter.com/ycZYamhtBJ
— Colin Young (@ColinAYoung) May 20, 2015
.@POTUS: "Let me say it again: It is a great honor to be back in New London at the United States Coast Guard Academy!" @USCGAcademy
— Brad Luck NBC (@TheBradLuck) May 20, 2015
Obama: America needs "the Coast Guard more than ever." http://t.co/hV1QhDjVuI pic.twitter.com/YKikRPxx9c
— Sarah Parnass (@WordsOfSarah) May 20, 2015
Obama to USCGA grads: The threat of a changing climate cuts to the core of your service http://t.co/dELZkGYUlW pic.twitter.com/ba6Yne0VJl
— Hartford Courant (@hartfordcourant) May 20, 2015
"Around the world, #climatechange increases the risk of instability and conflict," Obama tells Coast Guard grads. Cites #Nigeria and #Syria
— Sam Page (@samanthadpage) May 20, 2015
Cadets listen as #potus Barack Obama addresses 134th commencement #uscga #coastguard #cgagrad #newlondonct #thedayct pic.twitter.com/fuiS2hh5bO
— Sean D. Elliot (@seandelliot) May 20, 2015
Heather Brandon and Charlie Smart contributed to this report.
