Climate Plan Pushed by Defense Officials Amid Afghan Withdrawal
During the botched military withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, top Pentagon officials were simultaneously working to finalize the Department of Defense Climate Adaptation Plan (CAP), which identifies climate change as a major national security risk. Emails obtained by The Daily Wire show the frustration of these officials in getting the plan signed, but ultimately, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin signed the climate document on September 1. The emails reveal that top military leaders were being pressured by climate activists within the government to prioritize climate change discussions amidst the withdrawal efforts. The emails also show that senior advisors Joe Bryan and Richard Kidd were at the center of the push, with Bryan suggesting involving White House official Andrew Mayock. Despite the chaos in Afghanistan, Austin reviewed the climate plan and prioritized Afghanistan, while also ensuring other business of the Department of Defense remained on track.
