Arnold Schwarzenegger recently visited the world’s largest naval base, Naval Station Norfolk, to see how climate change was impacting the operation of the base. The former governor of California and actor Schwarzenegger shared his concerns over climate change with the US military, who have long been aware of the threat climate change could pose to national security.
Schwarzenegger has not been quiet about his opinions on global climate change.
“I don’t give a damn if you believe in climate change,” wrote Schwarzenegger in 2015. “Do you believe it is acceptable that 7 million people die every year from pollution? That’s more than murders, suicides, and car accidents – combined.”
Leaders of the United States military have also not been afraid to share their opinions on climate change, with American military leaders saying as early as 2003 that global climate change could pose a threat to the national security of the US.
“Governor, [Naval Station Norfolk] is the second most vulnerable area, next to New Orleans, in terms of the sea level rise,” Rear Adm. Jack Scorby said to Schwarzenegger during his visit. “Right now, our best estimate is approximately a two-foot rise by the year 2050.”
Assistant Navy Secretary Dennis McGinn knows of the danger that storms towards coastal cities during the meeting, saying that they could increase the sea level rise by more than 6 feet.
