Defense Writers Group
8 November 2024
Moderator: Good morning, everyone, and welcome to this very special Defense Writers Group. It’s the first of four that we’re planning on “Climate Security is National Security.” Special thanks to our hosts for today, this inaugural event, and for all four -- which is The Rockefeller Foundation.
The ground rules, as always, this is on the record. You’re welcome to record it for accuracy and quotes but there is no broadcast of audio or video.
Our inaugural speaker in the series is the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Brendan Owens. He has a very long title
ASD Owens: Chief Sustainability Officer, Chief Housing Officer, and the Energy, Installations and Environment job.
Moderator: The first question I’ll ask, and then we’ll go around the table. Three of you asked questions in advance, but we’ll have time for everybody before the hour’s over.
One thing I learned from the military is that when you have a giant problem, break it down into strategic, operational and tactical and solve each piece.
So, if you could, Mr. Secretary, talk a bit first at the strategic level of the climate challenges to the Department of Defense, and then walk us through some of the specific operational and tactical things you’re doing to mitigate.
