Climate disruption deserves more than a cameo role in security analysis

CAPE YORK, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 07: A file hand-out photo shows tropical cyclone Ingrid as it approaches Cape York Peninsula, Australia as pictured by the MODIS Terra at 0030GMT on March 7, 2005 over the Coral Sea, Australia. An Australian Federal Government report has found that Australian coastal cities and tourist destinations are facing a much higher risk of the destructive effect of climate change resulting in severe storms. The report concludes that likely scenarios include the Australian continent warming by between 1 and 6 degrees by 2070, more droughts which could cut farm output by billions of dollars, tourism suffering from damage to reefs, rainforests and beaches and an increased risk of more tropical cyclones, and longer growing seasons, fewer frosts and higher rainfall in some areas which could help some agribusinesses but adversely affect others from less rainfall. (Image courtesy of MODIS Rapid Response Project at NASA/GSFC/Getty Images)