A unique feature of the UK’s policy and political work with the US on climate change over the past several years has been the engagement of Rear Admiral Neil Morisetti, our Climate and Energy Security Envoy. This first-of-its-kind role has provided the Rear Admiral and our government with new opportunities to work with a key ally on the very real risks posed to our collective economic prosperity and security by climate change, as well as the impacts on security and defence by overreliance on fossil fuels. And one of the most interesting aspects of my job here at the Embassy is to facilitate Morisetti’s work, including the opportunity to work with him throughout the States to get our messages across.
British accents have a tendency to go over well in the US, as do men in uniform. Morisetti has been able to capitalize on these assets while delivering a compelling message that resonates with a security-minded American public. Many of his interactions – particularly with those outside the beltway – have generated “light bulb” moments where discussants see climate change in a new way. Morisetti has been effective in illustrating for many Americans the connection between impacts of climate change and national security.
During Morisetti’s tenure the conversation in the US on climate change has shifted dramatically from one on the merits of emission reduction policies to one of the validity of climate science. Climate change is now a difficult topic politically, particularly due to economic concerns taking understandable precedence. Nonetheless, understanding of climate change as a “threat multiplier” that exacerbates existing drivers of conflict and threatens economic prosperity and security is growing, despite a focus on short-term fiscal and economic challenges.
There is clearly lots of work yet to be done to create the imperative for reducing emissions in the US. We must continue to emphasize not only the risks posed by climate change but the opportunities presented by successfully addressing its causes. As an American myself, I am optimistic about the windows of opportunity that have been created by Morisetti’s frequent and productive discussions here – and not just because of the accent.