WASHINGTON, DC – Today, members of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness held a hearing on the impacts climate change will have on military installations and operational readiness. The hearing, entitled “Ensuring Resiliency of Military Installations and Operations in Response to Climate Changes” convened expert witnesses to provide testimony on the immediate and long-term effects climate change will have on the military.

Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA), Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee, made the following statement at the conclusion of the hearing:

“Today I asked whether the U.S. military is adequately prepared to address the threat of climate change. The answer: Not yet. However, this Subcommittee will pursue policies and work with the Department of Defense to address these vulnerabilities, strengthen its resiliency, and increase operational readiness. Today’s hearing was an important first step in the work this Subcommittee will conduct on this issue, and it will help inform our next steps. I appreciate the insight and perspective the witnesses and fellow members of the Readiness Subcommittee provided, and I look forward to addressing this issue together in the months ahead.”

The full text of Rep. Garamendi’s opening statement can be viewed here.