We've mentioned before that climate change and our dependence on foreign oil represent a couple of the gravest fundamental threats to our national security. So-in honor of Veterans Day-here's a video of some of our men and women in uniform touring the country in support of clean energy:[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgtCS_LOWFMThese vets of Operation Free took to two buses (yes, they were biodiesel), and rolled across the country talking to the public, political leaders, and fellow veterans about the national security implications of climate change and the need for Congress to take action. By all accounts, their message-that climate change is a threat multiplier and that transitioning to clean energy is our best defense-rang loud and clear."I made this trip," explained Matt Victoriano, a Marine who served in Iraq, "because it became painfully aware to me that our current energy policy is a direct threat to our national security and the troops." Marine General Anthony Zinni, former head of U.S. Central Command, takes it a step further: "We will pay to reduce greenhouse gas emissions today, or we will pay the price later in military terms. And that will involve human lives. There will be a human toll." In other words, to best support our troops, support a clean energy future.
Veterans Stump for Clean Energy
By Ben JerveyNov 12, 2009
Ben Jervey
Ben is a writer and editor covering climate change, energy, and environment, and is currently the Climate and Energy Media Fellow at Vermont Law School. He was the original Environment Editor at GOOD Magazine and his work has appeared regularly in National Geographic News, Grist, DeSmogBlog, and OnEarth. He recently worked with the non-profit Focus the Nation to publish an Energy 101 primer. When living in New York City, he wrote a book, The Big Green Apple, on how to live a lower impact life in the city. A bicycle enthusiast, Ben has ridden across the United States and through much of Europe.
