Evolution of the discourse on climate change and its impact on US national security

The concept of climate change has undergone a drastic transformation in the United States since the issue became increasingly important in the late 1980s. The article analyzes the evolution of the discussion about climate change in the public and political circles of the United States, and how it influenced the perception of new threats and challenges to the national interests of the United States. The author argues that attracting attention to the discussions on climate change has overcome bipartisan political divisions and led to the "securitization" of the environment and defense concerns by incorporating climate threats into US foreign policy strategies and practices. US leaders now recognize that global climate change is the defining security challenge of the 21st century.