Secretary of the Navy touts climate as a ‘top priority’ despite growing threat from China

SCarlos Del Toro, secretary of the Navy, said that fighting climate change was one of his highest priorities since taking office. He stated this despite China’s growing naval threat as China increases its fleet.

Earlier this month, Del Toro met with Philip Davis, the Bahamas Prime Minister. They spoke about climate change and the United States’ efforts to combat it.

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“As the Secretary of the Navy, I can tell you that I have made climate one of my top priorities since the first day I came into office,” Del Toro made the remarks during remarks at the University of the Bahamas, March 1. “The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps team has been working on climate and energy security for a long time, and we are accelerating and broadening those efforts.”

Del Toro stated that climate change is an issue. “all-hands-on-deck situation.”

Del Toro’s comments were made shortly before the Biden administration published its proposed 2024 military budget. This budget called for fewer navy ships despite growing threats from China. Since the 20th Century, the U.S. has had the largest military force and navy in the world. The Chinese navy has a larger fleet.

The administration proposed to shrink the U.S. Navy, with a net loss for two ships. However, military experts argue that the administration should increase its number of ships. The proposal suggested decommissioning 11 vessels and building nine. The military set a previous goal to have 355 manned ships, but has currently less than 300.

Del Toro rejected the criticism that focusing on climate changes would make the U.S. less secure. He argued that the Navy would be stronger because the U.S. could develop new technology that will allow it to create a Navy that is more cost-efficient, efficient, and climate-friendly while still maintaining its supremacy on the seas.

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“There is not a trade-off between addressing climate security and our core mission of being the most capable and ready Navy-Marine Corps team,” Del Toro said. “The exact opposite is true. Embracing climate-focused technologies and adopting a climate-informed posture strengthens our capability to stand by our partners and allies.”

Fox News reports that the chief naval researcher will host a conference on April 17 in Florida. It will address climate change, marine pollution, renewable energy and unmanned systems integration, and will also discuss climate change.