[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 117 (Thursday, June 25, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S3443]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SA 1955. Mr. MENENDEZ submitted an amendment intended to be proposed
by him to the bill S. 4049, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year
2021 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military
construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy,
to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for
other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:
At the appropriate place, insert the following:
SEC. ___. ENHANCING UNITED STATES SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS FOR
GLOBAL CLIMATE DISRUPTIONS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of State, in cooperation
with other relevant agencies, shall conduct periodic
comprehensive evaluations of present and ongoing disruptions
to the global climate system, including--
(1) the intensity, frequency, and range of natural
disasters;
(2) the scarcity of global natural resources, including
fresh water;
(3) global food, health, and energy insecurities;
(4) conditions that contribute to--
(A) intrastate and interstate conflicts;
(B) foreign political and economic instability;
(C) international migration of vulnerable and underserved
populations;
(D) the failure of national governments; and
(E) gender-based violence; and
(5) United States and allied military readiness,
operations, and strategy.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the evaluations conducted
under subsection (a) are--
(1) to support the practical application of scientific data
and research on climate change's dynamic effects around the
world to improve resilience, adaptability, security, and
stability despite growing global environmental risks and
changes;
(2) to ensure that the strategic planning and mission
execution of United States international development and
diplomatic missions adequately account for heightened and
dynamic risks and challenges associated with the effects of
climate change;
(3) to improve coordination between United States science
agencies conducting research and forecasts on the causes and
effects of climate change and United States national security
agencies; and
(4) to better understand the disproportionate effects of
global climate disruptions on women, girls, indigenous
communities, and other historically marginalized populations.
(c) Scope.--The evaluations conducted under subsection (a)
shall--
(1) examine developing countries' vulnerabilities and risks
associated with global, regional, and localized effects of
climate change; and
(2) assess and make recommendations on necessary measures
to mitigate risks and reduce vulnerabilities associated with
effects, including--
(A) sea level rise;
(B) freshwater resource scarcity;
(C) wildfires; and
(D) increased intensity and frequency of extreme weather
conditions and events, such as flooding, drought, and extreme
storm events, including tropical cyclones.
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