On October 16, 2024, the Truman Center hosted a virtual book talk featuring Sherri Goodman, author of Threat Multiplier: Climate, Military Leadership, and the Fight for Global Security. Moderated by Katie MacDonald, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Tailwind, the event explored the critical intersection between climate change and global security, with Truman Center President & CEO Tony Johnson introducing the conversation. The discussion touched on how the U.S. military has transformed into a leader in climate action, the growing threats posed by climate change, and the implications for national and global security.
During the talk, Sherri Goodman underscored that climate change is a "threat multiplier," intensifying existing global security challenges. She explained how environmental stressors, such as droughts in Africa and severe storms in South America, are driving migration, increasing urbanization, and, in some cases, leading to the rise of terrorist organizations. As populations struggle to survive in increasingly uninhabitable regions, desperation can fuel conflict and create fertile ground for recruitment into extremist groups. Goodman also highlighted how the melting Arctic is opening up new sea routes, which have led to increased military activities and competition, particularly with Russia, adding another layer of complexity to international security.
The conversation also delved into the evolution of the U.S. military’s approach to climate leadership. Goodman reflected on her time as the Pentagon’s first Chief Environmental Officer, noting, over the past three decades, the Department of Defense has shifted from being seen as environmentally indifferent to becoming a pioneer in clean energy and climate resilience. She shared how climate change has become integral to military operations, from war games to the rebuilding of bases affected by extreme weather events. The military is now focused on creating climate-resilient infrastructure and adapting to new environmental realities. Goodman pointed out that hurricanes and other climate-related disasters have already caused significant damage to critical military installations, forcing the Pentagon to rethink how it designs and rebuilds bases to withstand future climate impacts.
Goodman also emphasized the military’s vital role in both global and domestic climate responses. With climate-related disasters occurring more frequently within the United States, the military has become increasingly involved in disaster preparedness and response efforts. The ability of the military to predict and prepare for these events is crucial not only for national security but also for the safety of local communities. Goodman discussed how rising temperatures and extreme weather conditions are affecting troop training environments and influencing the design of weapons systems, such as making jets more fuel-efficient to enhance both their operational performance and their environmental impact.
A significant part of the discussion focused on the relationship between great power competition and climate security. Goodman pointed out that while the strategic competition with Russia and China remains central to U.S. national security concerns, climate change exacerbates these challenges. She explained how a natural disaster, such as a typhoon in the Indo-Pacific, could disrupt U.S. military readiness, potentially providing an opportunity for adversarial powers like China to gain the upper hand. Goodman stressed that climate change is not separate from great power competition but is instead deeply intertwined with it, requiring strategic foresight and preparedness.
Sherri Goodman has long been at the forefront of the climate and security conversation. A Senior Strategist and Advisory Board member at the Center for Climate and Security, she was the Pentagon’s first Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Environmental Security. She is widely recognized for coining the term “threat multiplier,” which describes how climate change exacerbates security risks. Throughout her career, Goodman has advised governments and organizations on climate security, leading efforts to ensure that environmental considerations are integral to national security planning.
Katie MacDonald, who moderated the discussion, is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Tailwind, a venture capital firm investing in sustainable solutions. As a Truman National Security Project member, Katie has been a strong advocate for the role of innovation in addressing climate and security challenges. Her background in environmental justice and corporate responsibility provides her with a unique perspective on the intersections of private and public sector initiatives in tackling some of the world’s most pressing issues.
Threat Multiplier offers readers an in-depth look at how the U.S. military is responding to the escalating risks posed by climate change. In the book, Goodman explains how rising temperatures, more frequent and intense natural disasters, and the competition for resources such as food and water are reshaping global security. From hurricanes to droughts, and the shifting geopolitical landscape, Threat Multiplier takes readers inside the Pentagon to understand how climate change is reshaping national defense.
To watch the full book talk, click here.
To purchase Threat Multiplier, click here.
