By Program
Climate Change & National Security: People Not Polar Bears
November 14, 2019 | 12:15 PM | LBJ School of Public Affairs, SRH 3.122
On November 14, 2019, the Strauss Center welcomed Dr. David Titley, the founding director of Pennsylvania State’s Center for Solutions to Weather and Climate Risk, to give a talk on “Climate Change and National Security: People not Polar Bears.” This talk was part of the Strauss Center’s Brumley Speaker Series.
The video recording can be found here. More photos from this event can be found here.
Dr. Titley initiated and led the United States Navy’s Task Force on Climate Change during his over 30 years of service, putting him at the intersection of climate change and national security. During his presentation, he sifted through the complex science behind climate change and broke it down to showcase that it is first and foremost about people. More people now than ever (just over 50%) believe that climate change will affect them, their family, or their community, signifying a potential major shift in future policy.
Dr. Titley discussed that planning for climate change is all about minimizing risk and that the consequences of not planning for change are far greater than if no preparations are made. This necessity to act before it is too late is one of the many reasons why climate change is being considered a major national security threat by federal agencies including the Department of Defense. From the opening of new trade routes and oil reserves in the arctic to the disappearance of strategic pacific islands, more people are recognizing the importance to mitigate these effects sooner rather than later. Dr. Titley emphasized addressing climate change requires building more resilient communities and that adaptation alone will not be enough.
Dr. Titley’s lighthearted tone drew the audience in to look past the often divisive and dismal nature of discussing climate change. He argued that it is necessary to relate with people on a personal level in order to start a meaningful and productive dialogue on the negative consequences of climate change. Furthermore, Dr. Titley concluded with discussing the importance of trusting and supporting climate scientists, as they have recognized the threat and advocated for action for decades.
Biography
David Titley served as a naval officer for 32 years and rose to the rank of Rear Admiral. Dr. Titley’s career included duties as commander of the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command; oceanographer and navigator of the Navy; and deputy assistant chief of naval operations for information dominance. He also served as senior military assistant for the director, Office of Net Assessment in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
In 2009, Dr. Titley initiated and led the U.S. Navy’s Task Force on Climate Change. After retiring from the Navy, Dr. Titley served as the Deputy Undersecretary of Commerce for Operations, the chief operating officer position at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Dr. Titley serves on numerous advisory boards and National Academies of Science committees, including the CNA Military Advisory Board, the Board of Directors for the Council on Strategic Risks, the Science and the National Academy of Science Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate. He currently chairs the National Academies Climate Communcations Initiative committee.
Dr. Titley is a fellow of the American Meteorological Society. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. In 2017, Dr. Titley was the recipient of the College of Earth and Mineral Science Wilson Award for excellence in service.
