President Barack Obama delivered the keynote commencement address at the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, focusing on the threat climate change poses on security risk, and calling on the world to start reducing its carbon emissions now.
"The best scientists in the world know that climate change is happening," Obama said during his half-hour-long speech. "Our analysts in the intelligence community know it's happening. Our military leaders – generals and admirals, active duty and retired – know it's happening. Our homeland security professionals know it is happening, and our Coast Guard knows it is happening. The science is indisputable."
The president thanked the newly commission Ensigns in advance for their service, absolved all cadets serving restrictions for minor offenses.
"America needs you and we need the Coast Guard more than ever," he said. "We need you to safeguard our ports against all threats, including terrorism. We need you to respond in times of disaster or distress and lead your rescue teams as you jump out of perfectly good helicopters."
From there, the president told the cadets that there is an "urgent need" to combat and adapt to climate change.
"Cadets, the threat of a changing climate cuts to the very core of your service," Obama said.
He called climate change a "severe" threat and said no nation is immune.
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The serious threat it poses to national security will impact how the military protects this country, said Obama, who called the issue is one of the leading priorities discussed when he meets with global leaders.
"We need to act and we need to act now," he said. "Denying it or refusing to deal with it endangers our national security. It undermines the readiness of our forces."
Obama pointed out examples of what climate change can impact, including severe drought in Nigeria that made way for the threats posed by of Book Ha ram.
More extreme storms will also lead to more humanitarian missions, the president said. Along the coast, highways and railways are vulnerable, he said.
"Climate change poses a threat to the readiness of our forces," Obama said.
The president thanked them for the work they will do here and overseas, keeping the ports open and keeping drugs from making it to shore and getting onto the streets and harming children.
He called upon the cadets to live each day to the fullest and be willing to face challenges that need to be faced.
The climate change speech topic comes soon after the White House released a new report on how climate change affects national security and what the federal government is doing to address it. He is expected to tell the graduates that they are going to be among the first generation of Coast Guard officers that will have to adapt to how climate change will affect their service.The last time he delivered the keynote address at the academy's graduation was in 2011.
First Class Cadet So so Makarios and Third Class Cadet Barbarian Workloads, two cadets from the Republic of Georgia who were killed in a crash in New Jersey were also remember during the ceremony.
“Their spirits will live on in the partnerships you force with Coast Guards all over the world,” Obama said.
President Obama recognized Commander Merle Smith, the first African American graduate of the academy, who was there. The decorated Vietnam War veteran graduated in the class of 1966.
“His legacy endures in all of you because the class of 2015 is the most diverse in academy history,” Obama said.
The president also recognized Marina Stevens, a fourth generation member of the U.S. Coast Guard.
“No wonder she’s named Marina. It’s in her blood,” President Obama said.
The president arrived at Crouton-New London Airport Connecticut in Air Force One around 10:30 a.m. where he shook hands with several children, gave one boy a high five and pinched a baby's cheeks. Within half an hour, the president's motorcade arrived at the Coast Guard Academy.
In the afternoon, the president will head to a home in Stamford for a private fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee before leaving from Winchester County Airport at about 6 p.m. to return to the White House.
President Obama is speaking at several graduations this year. U.S. presidents traditionally address the graduating class at one of the federal service academies on a rotating basis.
Vice President Joseph Biden spoke at the Coast Guard commencement in 2013. On Sunday, he spoke at Yale College's Class Day.
The last time President Obama was in Connecticut was in November, when he campaigned for Gov. Daniel P. Mallow in Bridgeport before his re-election.
Road Closures
People driving through New London should expect closures and delays in the area near the Coast Guard Academy due to the graduation, especially on Routes 32 and 1 and Interstate 95 over the Gold Star Bridge. Authorities said they expect the bridge be shut down at some point, likely for the president's motorcade. The base opens to guests at 7:30 a.m. and reopens to normal traffic at 3 p.m.
A security zone on the Thames River due to the president's visit could affect boaters trying to travel through.
There are also parking restrictions in effect on Dashing Street, One co Avenue and Names Avenue. Towing began at 5 a.m. for any cars in violation.
