Terrorism
Terrorism is the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion. No universally agreed, legally binding definition of terrorism currently exists. Common definitions of terrorism refer only to those violent acts which are intended to create fear (terror) are perpetrated for a religious, political, or ideological goal, deliberately target or disregard the safety of non-combatants (civilians), and are committed by non-government agencies. The United States Department of Defense defines terrorism as “the calculated use of unlawful violence of threat to inculcate fear, intended to coerce or to intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of goals that generally political, religious, or ideological.
The major weapons and activities of terrorists include: chemical and biological agents, radiological dispersion devices (RDD commonly referred to as “dirty bombs”), nuclear weapons, conventional explosives, improvised explosive devices (IED which include incendiary devices), kidnappings, hijackings, arson, and shootings.
Other types of terrorism include:
The major weapons and activities of terrorists include: chemical and biological agents, radiological dispersion devices (RDD commonly referred to as “dirty bombs”), nuclear weapons, conventional explosives, improvised explosive devices (IED which include incendiary devices), kidnappings, hijackings, arson, and shootings.
Other types of terrorism include:
- Agri-terrorism: the intentional contamination of food supplies or the introduction of pets and/or disease agents to crops and livestock.
- Cyber-terrorism: this is terrorism that involves computers and networks along with information they contain.
Terrorism events are unpredictable by nature and provide little to no warning. Potential Impacts of terrorism include:
People
The intent of terrorist attacks is to cause death, injury, and widespread panic. The health and physical safety of the population is at risk, as well their psychological well-being.
Economy
Depending on the size and nature of the attack, a terrorist attack could wreak havoc on a local economy both by destroying infrastructure necessary for the functioning of the economy but also by limiting participation in the economy by inciting fear in the populace.
Built Environment
The impact to the built environment will depend on the nature of the attack, but if a facility is specifically targeted it could be destroyed as the purpose of the attack.
Natural Environment
Agri-terrorism or environmental terrorism could destroy the natural environment.
People
The intent of terrorist attacks is to cause death, injury, and widespread panic. The health and physical safety of the population is at risk, as well their psychological well-being.
Economy
Depending on the size and nature of the attack, a terrorist attack could wreak havoc on a local economy both by destroying infrastructure necessary for the functioning of the economy but also by limiting participation in the economy by inciting fear in the populace.
Built Environment
The impact to the built environment will depend on the nature of the attack, but if a facility is specifically targeted it could be destroyed as the purpose of the attack.
Natural Environment
Agri-terrorism or environmental terrorism could destroy the natural environment.
Climate change is expected to increase vulnerability of marginalized populations and add economic pressures, which can add to increased susceptibility to climate impacts. In addition, aging infrastructure in the region and more civil unrest during political, social, and economic protests may cause an increase in activism and those threatened by change needed to adapt to climate impacts. Collectively, these issues may lead to a higher threat of terrorism-related activities, particularly in urbanized and high population areas, including potential targeting of activities that are deemed threatening, like agricultural practices or development, which may solicit opposition via terrorism of differing varieties (e.g., infrastructural, property, etc.).
The BRADD region is not likely to experience a major impact from terrorism due to climate change threats, but a low risk exists due to population density and certain environmental and economic activities in the region.
Potential impacts include:
The BRADD region is not likely to experience a major impact from terrorism due to climate change threats, but a low risk exists due to population density and certain environmental and economic activities in the region.
Potential impacts include:
- Threats to land or property
- Attacks on infrastructure or buildings
- Threats via cyberattacks or economic vulnerability