John Conger

Director of the Center for Climate and Security and a former environmental official at the Department of Defense

Director of the Center for Climate and Security and a former environmental official at the Department of Defense

John Conger on KCRW

Jet aircraft, carrier task forces and tanks consume vast amounts of fossil fuel--while emitting vast amounts of greenhouse gases. The Pentagon’s carbon footprint is bigger than those of many entire nations. Now, it’s caught in the middle. It’s a massive contributor to climate change, which is threatening its mission worldwide. Seaports and airstrips are being flooded or burned out, and restoring operations costs many millions of dollars. Meantime, environmental damage is leading to instability and the prospect of international violence. Water shortages have increased tensions in the Middle East and caused new hostilities between India and Pakistan, two nuclear powers. Russia and China are taking advantage of changing conditions. Will politicians who scorn environmentalists and mistrust climate scientists listen to the warnings of military leaders?

National Security and Climate Change

Jet aircraft, carrier task forces and tanks consume vast amounts of fossil fuel--while emitting vast amounts of greenhouse gases. The Pentagon’s carbon footprint is bigger than those of many entire nations. Now, it’s caught in the middle. It’s a massive contributor to climate change, which is threatening its mission worldwide. Seaports and airstrips are being flooded or burned out, and restoring operations costs many millions of dollars. Meantime, environmental damage is leading to instability and the prospect of international violence. Water shortages have increased tensions in the Middle East and caused new hostilities between India and Pakistan, two nuclear powers. Russia and China are taking advantage of changing conditions. Will politicians who scorn environmentalists and mistrust climate scientists listen to the warnings of military leaders?

from To the Point

More from KCRW

The Inflation Reduction Act includes billions of dollars for people to make climate-friendly improvements to their homes. Here’s how to qualify for it.

from Greater LA

Neighbors call in LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva to address problems at the Veterans Row homeless camp. What can the cops do that others haven’t?

from City of Tents: Veterans Row

Mayor Karen Bass’s efforts to shelter unhoused Angelenos is scaling up fast. But some participants say the rollout has been messy and confusing. There’s no Oscar for Best Location.

from Greater LA

After a year of war and carnage in Ukraine, the fighting continues, and there are no signs of it slowing down.

from Scheer Intelligence

A top federal official promised everyone on Veterans Row would have a place to go in just ten days. What does it take to make that happen?

from City of Tents: Veterans Row

SoCal’s drought restrictions are over for now, but this winter’s rainwater won’t last long. LA County captured lots of stormwater, but not enough to provide lasting relief.

from Greater LA

It’s freezing — even by LA standards. What are you doing to try to stay warm during this winter storm?

from Greater LA

Robert Luna takes charge of the LA Sheriff's Department amid concerns about crime, deputy gangs, and poor jail conditions. Can he turn the department around?

from Greater LA

Panelists discuss the origins of COVID-19 and misinformation, national implications of Chicago’s mayoral race, and why both political parties should stop freaking out.

from Left, Right & Center