Response to the “National Security Implications of Climate Change” Meeting.

ORONO, Maine –Dr. William J. Brennan, President-Select of the Maine Maritime Academy, spoke on behalf of SPIA, the School of Policy & International Affairs, at the University of Maine campus on Wednesday March 31, 2010 to deliver an address titled “National Security Implications of Climate Change”. UMaine President Robert Kennedy introduced Dr. Brennan, a graduate of the University, with a Ph.D. degree in Ecology and Environmental Sciences. Dr. Brennan, outfitted in a dark blue suit, took to the podium and addressed the crowd that had gathered in the McIntire Room.

Dr. Brennan began his speech with a slew of “thank you’s” and recognized a few of his colleagues in the audience.

Dr. Brennan then continued onwards, acknowledging the consequences of mass climate change; reduced water supply, mass migration, and hunger, all of which lead to reduced economic, industrial, national and human security. “Because of globalization”, Brennan began, “we are connected in ways our forefathers could never have imagined”. He stressed the human aspect of climate change, stating that “electricity exists for hair dryers and flat screen TVs”.

“Despite talk of change from Washington last year”, Dr. Brennan said in-between graceful sips of water, “we have increased our dependency on oil”. A semi prophetic statement, since just hours earlier, reports began to surface that the Obama Administration was looking to pass legislation allowing off shore drilling on the east coast of the United States.

In the years prior to the current economic recession, climate change was an issue at the forefront of debate and discussion. Dr. Brennan points out that now it is an issue for only those concerned with the long term outlook, he says, the peoples main anxiety is money. That people are not willing to spend the money necessary to invest in renewable forms of energy, thus halting the overhaul of the energy industry. “Will it be affordable and practical to thwart climate change”, he elaborates, “I say can we afford not to. There are consequences to doing nothing”.

Dr. Brennan finished speaking rather quickly, admitting to writing his speech that morning. His tone was serious but his wit and sense of humor seized the moment. An audience member asked a question, confessing that he was not sure if there was an answer, Dr. Brennan responded “ I will make one up if there isn’t”; the crowd chuckled.

The audience, a mix of men in suits and students in cargo shorts, were attentive but frankly, seemed to expect more, since the event was supposed to last from 4:30- 6:30 but ended around 5:15 pm.

Dr. Brennan engaged the audience with an interesting argument. He raised key points, regarding mankind’s misuse of energy and what the potential effects could be; war, famine, possible extinction. Dr. Brennan’s speech was a success that left slightly more to be desired in terms of content, but what he did divulge was interesting and captivating.