Natural hazards are an important way for individuals to experience consequences of climate change. It has therefore been suggested that natural hazards could act as opportunities to increase individuals’ concerns about, and willingness to act on, climate change. The empirical evidence within the field is however mixed. Moreover, the research field is drawn back by methodological shortcomings, as studies rarely have been able to make valid pre-hazard assessments. A more accurate estimation of a possible causal effect is enabled in this study, as a survey mapping climate change opinions was conducted in Germany when the country was hit by a rare and severe hazard event, namely the European Floods. This provides an opportunity to examine the effect of hazard exposure on individuals’ levels of climate change concerns and willingness to adopt climate change-related actions. Three sets of hypotheses are tested using two-sample t-tests. The findings suggest that natural hazards have limited potential to act as teachable moments; climate change concerns may increase, but not willingness to take action. Political ideology is found to slightly moderate the effect between hazard exposure and climate change concerns, but only among right-leaning individuals. These findings make an important contribution to a mixed research field.

<p dir="ltr">Climate change hazards are becoming more frequent and severe and their impact on Department of Defense installations has become a matter of national security. This thesis investigates the intricate relationship between climate change hazards and the Department of Defense (DoD) by examining the multifaceted impacts of environmental shifts on military operations, infrastructure, and strategic planning. As the global climate continues to undergo unpredictable changes, the DoD faces evolving challenges that extend beyond traditional security concerns.</p><p dir="ltr">The research employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating environmental science and analysis with military strategy to assess the current and anticipated hazards posed by climate change. As the beginning of a multi-year project, this thesis examines extreme weather events in relation to their potential to disrupt critical military assets and installations in Yuma County Arizona.</p><p dir="ltr">Additionally, decision support systems were created and analyzed as part of this thesis in order to provide Department of Defense decision-makers with a tool to create personalized and up to date visuals and data. This support tool could have positive implications for force readiness, mission effectiveness, and strategic planning, recognizing climate change as a pervasive and dynamic threat.</p><p dir="ltr">The study also delves into the strategic response of the DoD to climate change hazards, evaluating adaptation measures, resilience-building initiatives, and the integration of climate considerations into defense planning processes. By examining historical and future conditions, the research identifies areas where these installations could implement changes in order to enhance climate resilience and efficiency within the defense framework.</p><p dir="ltr">In conclusion, this thesis provides an understanding of the intricate interplay between climate change hazards and national security, focusing on their direct and indirect impacts on two military installations in Arizona. By shedding light on the complexities of this relationship, it contributes to the growing body of knowledge essential for developing adaptive strategies and policies that ensure the readiness and effectiveness of the military in the face of a changing climate.</p>