Navy secretary defends calling climate change a top priority: ‘Equally important’ to other goals

As the world battles the pandemic and its attendant challenges, the US Navy is prioritizing climate change. In a recent interview with CNN, Navy Secretary Kenneth J. Braithwaite defended his decision to make climate change a top priority, noting that it is “equally important” to other goals. Braithwaite emphasized the impact of climate change on military readiness, saying that the Navy must be prepared for the consequences, including increased sea levels, severe weather events, and changing sea lanes. He also stressed the Navy’s responsibility to be good stewards of the environment and to contribute to global efforts to curb emissions. The Navy’s commitment to sustainability is not new, but Braithwaite’s vocal support for tackling climate change is a significant step forward. As a global superpower, the US Navy can influence policy and set an example for other organizations to follow. By taking climate change seriously, the Navy is demonstrating leadership in a critical area of concern for the future of our planet.