Sen. John Kerry at the Jack Morton Auditorium: "This is our August memo."

Senator John Kerry (D-MA) urged Americans to take steps to combat climate change in a speech today at the Jack Morton Auditorium.

The event, “The Day Before: National Security Implications of Climate Change" brought together experts in the field of environmental science and national security to discuss the implications of not taking immediate action to curb the changing climate.

Kerry arrived on stage with the aid of a cane, the result of some recent hip surgery. But his staggered walk belied the tone of his words, ranging from almost lecturing the audience to strongly condemning opponents of legislation to stop climate change. Throughout his speech, Kerry aligned the forewarnings about climate change with those about terrorism prior to the events of September 11^th, 2001, although he stated that the two were “incomparable.”

Much of Kerry’s remarks consisted of statistics from around the world, highlighting how climate change has worsened conditions worldwide.

From health to economics to regional conflicts, he stated that climate change has affected everyone, and that it is through legislation to stop climate change that we can reduce disease, fix the economy, and alleviate national security concerns.

His anecdotes were punctuated by moments both of solemnity and levity. While explaining the struggles of Alaskans who have had to relocate their homes due to changed environmental conditions, Kerry’s remark that they could “no longer see Russia from their front porch” drew laughter from a crowd well-versed in the statements of former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin of Alaska. A reference to the recent healthcare “demagoguery” also elicited some laughs.

Kerry’s conclusion returned to a more serious tone in declaring the urgency of the conjoined issue of national security and climate change. He referenced the memo received by former President George W. Bush 36 days before 9/11, and the fact that the events of that day were not prevented despite Bush’s receipt of that information. Of today’s conference and its message of ending climate change, Kerry stated, “This is our August memo.”

The also event featured experts in environmental policy and national security, as well as retired US Air Force General Lester Lyles and the former Director of Central Intelligence R. James Woolsey.