Spanberger Points to Climate Change’s Direct Threat to U.S. National Security, Urges U.S. Global Leadership in Mitigating Climate Change’s Effects

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today called on lawmakers to recognize the significant challenges climate change presents to global stability—and to grasp how the absence of U.S. leadership could impact international efforts to combat climate change, such as through the Paris Climate Accord.

During a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing focused on the threat of climate change, Spanberger called on the administration to further examine how U.S. isolation in the fight against climate change could hamper international progress on reducing emissions. Click here to watch an excerpt of her remarks.

“Our country cannot afford to abdicate our central leadership role in combating the devastating effects of climate change. Today, I reaffirmed my position that the United States cannot walk away from its responsibility to contribute to multinational efforts combating environmental threats—including the Paris Agreement,” said Spanberger. “Ultimately, it’s in our national interest to reinforce our stature as a global leader on international environmental and energy issues. As Congress looks to strengthen our engagement on issues of international diplomacy, security, and development, climate change must be viewed as a pressing national security concern that requires proactive, preemptive policies.”

Last week, Spanberger helped introduce legislation to tackle the ongoing national security threat of climate change and to reassert the critical role of U.S. participation in global efforts to combat ongoing environmental damage. The Climate Action Now Act would require the administration to remain in the Paris Climate Accord and would push the White House to develop an evidence-based plan for how the United States can best meet its commitment to adequately reduce pollution levels.

Background

Spanberger has pushed the administration to recognize climate change as a pressing national security threat. Last week, she asked U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo a series of questions related to U.S. intelligence threat assessments, including those related to climate change.

Spanberger serves as Vice-Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, Energy, and the Environment. On this Committee, her responsibilities include oversight of legislation related to global energy trends, energy security, and the environment.

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