Dozens of ex-officials warn Trump against White House panel on climate change
Dozens of former U.S. military and intelligence officials warned President Trump on Tuesday not to establish a White House panel to counter government scientists' findings about the threats of climate change.
Fifty-eight former officials organized by the American Security Project and the Center for Climate and Security wrote to Trump to express concerns about the new climate council, which includes members who question the science behind global warming.
"It is dangerous to have national security analysis conform to politics," their letter states. "Our officials’ job is to ensure that we are prepared for current threats and future contingencies. We cannot do that if the scientific studies that inform our threat assessments are undermined."
Officials who signed on to the letter include former Secretary of State John Kerry, former Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and retired Gen. Stanley McChrystal, among other members of past administrations.
The officials described climate change as a "threat multiplier" that could worsen existing security issues. They noted that the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria used water shortages in Iraq for strategic purposes from 2014-2017.
https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/432675-dozens-of-ex-officials-warn-trump-against-white-house-panel-on