E&E published an article about the relationship between climate change and terrorism. In it, E&E reporter Jean Chemnick discussed the “rekindling of an old feud” regarding the dangers of climate change, renewed partisan pushback, and policy strategies.

In its introduction, the article stated that last week’s Paris attacks reignited the debate over whether “climate change is a distraction from legitimate security threats like terrorism, or a contributor to them.”

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) lit the match during Saturday’s Democratic presidential debate, which was overshadowed by the previous night’s assault on the French capital by Islamic State Group operatives. Climate change, the presidential contender said, is “absolutely” the largest single largest threat to U.S. security.

His statement drew “immediate pushback” from Republicans and conservative bloggers alike, who have said that “a focus on climate change detracts from efforts to contain terrorism.” The article then pointed out that while most Democrats have shied away from linking terrorism with climate change, Sanders’ remark echoed a common theme of the Obama administration – “that climate change is a ‘threat multiplier’ that will breed conflict around the globe as desperate populations compete for scarce resources.”

The article then detailed specific responses from conservatives such as Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.).  It then discussed ways to address the the links between climate change and terrorism.

To read the full article, click here.

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