Ignored intelligence has come under scrutiny in light of 9/11 and the questionable evidence that brought on war with Iraq. But while terrorism may be the administration’s enemy #1, the Pentagon is tuning in to scientific intelligence indicating a larger threat to our national security may be a dramatic climate change that could happen sooner than we think. Among the anticipated outcomes in the Pentagon report:

• The Atlantic “conveyor” – an air and water current system that keeps temperatures warm in Europe and North America – will shut down, causing icebergs as far south as Portugal
  
  
• “Once again, warfare will define human life,” over shrinking resources: food, water and energy – and nuclear proliferation for energy and weapons will increase dangers of nuclear war

Sound like science fiction? In fact, many scientists argue that climate change is like the old “frog in the pot”– when the temperature rises slowly, the frog doesn’t notice it’s boiling till it’s cooked. For people who live in the shadows of the Sierra and Rocky Mountains – where a healthy snow pack not only means good skiing and tourism in December, but also plentiful water for farms and livestock in August – the burner is already on high.

• World Health Organization concludes that global climate change kills 150,000 annually
  
  
• 85% of the water used by the Great Basin populations including ranchers, farmers and tribal nations is surface water – a majority of which comes from Rocky Mountain snow pack runoff

The administration has drawn fire for lax emission standards on high polluters and seeking to increase allowable limits of mercury and lead – contributing to increased incidences of childhood asthma, and birth defects. More than 60 leading scientists, including Nobel laureates, raised concerns last week that President Bush is giving the scientific community the cold shoulder in favor of achieving desired political outcomes.

• Of the 50 polluting U.S. companies that joined the voluntary “Climate Leaders” program, less than 14 have set goals to reduce emissions by 10% or more in the next 10 years

So pervasive is the climate change fear that Hollywood is offering a take on disaster this summer: The Day After Tomorrow – in which a cataclysmic change brings on the next ice age in a matter of hours. Yet many states and businesses are taking the lead to reduce emissions beyond federal guidelines to prevent this scenario from becoming a reality. Senators from both sides of the floor are allying to make environmental care a non-partisan effort.

What makes climate change a threat to national security? Do climate scientists agree? What are the consequences of the federal government ignoring scientists? What are the political influences that undermine scientific evidence? What can business, government, and citizens do to avoid the Pentagon worst-case scenario? What would the Energy Bill look like if Congress listened to scientists?