Efforts to secure federal funding for climate adaptation at military bases in Northern Virginia are at risk as the Trump administration moves to cut spending on climate-related projects.
Charles Paullin reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- The Northern Virginia Regional Commission previously received $2.4 million from the Department of Defense for climate resilience planning at military sites, including Fort Belvoir and Quantico.
- A third phase of funding, which could address energy demands and infrastructure improvements, is now uncertain due to federal budget cuts.
- Rising sea levels and extreme rainfall threaten military readiness, with data showing increasing erosion and flood risks at key bases.
Key quote:
“Improvements to master planning and to infrastructure planning and design are recognized as vital for reducing current and future vulnerability to climate hazards to installations, missions, and operations worldwide.”
— 2021 Department of Defense report
Why this matters:
Military bases are already experiencing the effects of climate change, from flooding to power grid strain. Without continued funding, critical infrastructure upgrades could stall, affecting military operations and local economies. The Pentagon has long recognized climate change as a "threat multiplier," amplifying risks to national security. Northern Virginia’s military installations are particularly vulnerable due to their coastal location and growing energy demands. The potential funding cuts reflect broader federal efforts to reduce climate-related spending, raising questions about how the military will adapt to worsening environmental conditions.
Learn more: New defense secretary orders military bases to stop climate preparedness
