Climate Change Could Pose a National Security Threat

The conversation centers on the national security implications of climate change and geopolitical strategies, particularly concerning China and Russia. Jake Sullivan, former national security advisor, critiques the Trump administration's stance on climate change as harmful to American competitiveness and national security, especially in clean energy innovation. He argues against ceding leadership to China in clean energy, advocating for the U.S. to become a clean energy superpower. Sullivan also addresses the complexities of sanctioning Russian oil during the Biden administration, balancing the need to support Ukraine with concerns about rising gas prices and domestic political support. He suggests that China should be pressured to reduce emissions sooner than 2060, while acknowledging the U.S.'s diminished credibility on climate action after withdrawing from the Paris Agreement.