Capt ( Eng ) Petros Vranas HN
Branch C2 / 4 , Dept of National Infrastructure Hellenic National Defence General Staff
I am an Hellenic Navy Officer who graduated from the Naval Academy on 1995 , as an engineer . I have served on battleships for more than 15 years , on Frigates , General Support Boats and Auxiliary Ships . Since last year , I have been serving in the HNDGS , on the subdepartment of Climate Change and Environmental Protection , dealing with Renewable Energy Recourses . I live in Athens and I am married with four children .
" Climate Change and Security "
Climate Change is a global phenomenon , which is recognized as one of the most important threats and challenges of the 21st century . The degree of threat is enhanced by the rapid evolution of the phenomenon , but also by the fact that it directly affects , both simultaneously and in depth , a huge number of factors and activities vital to human existence and well-being .
Hellenic Armed Forces ( AF ) must take leading initiative and action , aiming to protect the planet , without degrading their mission and effectiveness . AF are aiming at adapting to the new conditions and mitigating the impact of their actions on the climate , focus on creating an environmental mentality and culture among the staff , in order to transition to the new reality .
AF have prioritized the adoption of innovative technologies and processes , that will bring about an upgrade in energy efficiency , energy sufficiency and sustainability and at the same time , reduce the environmental footprint of the AF and the impact of their activities on climate change . NATO has also recognized the climate change as one of the defining challenges of our time . It is a threat multiplier that affects NATO ' s security , operations and missions and makes it more difficult to carry out its mission . An Action Plan on Climate Change and Security issued on June 21 , which sets out the way to implement the aforementioned NATO Agenda , in the short , medium and long term , with a view to guaranteeing the security of the Alliance .