Climate Change on the Frontlines: How the U.S. Military is Adapting

It’s almost ironic: on one side, President Donald Trump continues to downplay or deny the threat of climate change, while on the other, the U.S. military is facing the very real consequences of a warming planet. Rising sea levels, stronger storms, and extreme temperatures are not only environmental issues but also significant national security challenges that the military must confront. The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent, with the US military’s infrastructure, operations, and readiness being directly impacted. Here is how the U.S. military is adapting to these challenges, from safeguarding vulnerable coastal bases to responding to climate-driven disasters, all while adjusting long-term strategic plans.

Rising Sea Levels and Flooding: The Vulnerability of Coastal Bases

One of the most pressing impacts of climate change on military readiness is the rising sea levels that threaten the U.S. coastal military bases. Coastal installations, long considered essential to the United States’ defense strategy, are now increasingly susceptible to flooding and infrastructure damage due to higher tides caused by global warming. A prominent example of this vulnerability is the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. The Academy has been dealing with regular flooding events, now occurring 30 to 40 times a year. To mitigate the effects, a $37 million seawall project was completed in 2024 to safeguard the base against these frequent inundations.

These flooding events are not isolated to the Naval Academy. Many other military bases along the U.S. coastline, including critical ones like Norfolk Naval Station in Virginia and Naval Base San Diego, are facing similar threats. The Department of Defense (DoD) has been proactive in assessing and addressing these risks, recognizing that climate change-related sea-level rise could severely disrupt military operations. As sea levels continue to rise, these installations will face more frequent and severe flooding, compromising both the ability of the military to operate and the security of vital infrastructure.

The costs of mitigating these environmental challenges are steep. Not only does the U.S. military need to invest in flood prevention infrastructure, but it must also consider relocation or redesigning bases, which could disrupt strategic positioning and readiness. As the military works to adapt, it faces a difficult balancing act—ensuring that defense assets are not only protected from rising waters but are also positioned in locations that remain strategically viable in the face of a changing climate.

Mobilizing Forces for Climate-Driven Disasters

The U.S. military’s role is evolving in response to the increased frequency and severity of climate-related disasters. The military has traditionally responded to humanitarian crises and natural disasters, but the scale and intensity of these events are becoming more frequent due to climate change. According to the Center for Climate and Security, the U.S. military has been deployed to over 170 climate-related events worldwide since 2022, including wildfires, hurricanes, droughts, and floods. This shift highlights the growing need for military resources to assist in disaster relief and recovery operations.

For instance, California’s devastating wildfires have seen a coordinated response from the Air Force, Navy, and National Guard, as these forces work alongside local agencies to combat the blazes exacerbated by hotter temperatures and prolonged droughts. The intensity and unpredictability of wildfires are increasing due to climate change, straining the resources of local governments and communities. In response, the military has played a critical role in providing aerial firefighting capabilities, personnel for search and rescue operations, and logistical support.

Similarly, hurricanes and other extreme weather events have tested the military’s capacity to respond quickly and effectively. In recent years, military forces have been mobilized to assist with evacuation efforts, deliver supplies, and provide critical infrastructure support in the wake of devastating storms. The National Guard, in particular, is often on the frontlines during such events, offering assistance to local authorities in areas where civilian resources are overwhelmed. The rise in climate-driven disasters is stretching the military’s capabilities, and addressing these challenges will require new strategies for managing resources and training personnel to respond to the increasing number and severity of such events.

References:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/04/05/military-climate-change-research/82352083007

https://imccs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/World-Climate-Security-Report-2020_2_13.pdf

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589811621000112

https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/4027855/national-guard-fights-california-wildfires-additional-assets-remain-on-standby

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