EMP is a burst of electromagnetic energy
which occurs naturally (solar flares) and from manmade sources (nuclear detonations). The non-radioactive pulses of magnetic energy adversely affect a wide range of electronic devices,
ranging from cell phones, personal computers and vehicle ignitions, to power grids and satellites and air traffic control systems.
The absence of vital power and communications equipment
poses major difficulties for disaster recovery officials, health care providers, utilities, and the business community in serving the public in the aftermath of such an incident.
Reports
from the Congressional EMP Commission and the National Academy of Sciences characterize electromagnetic pulse as a potentially catastrophic threat.
Reports from the Congressional EMP Commission and the National Academy of Sciences characterize electromagnetic pulse as a potentially catastrophic threat.
In a July 21 hearing before a House Homeland Security subcommittee, Commission Chairman Dr. William R. Graham testified that EMP ". . .is one of a small
number of threats that can hold our society at risk of catastrophic consequences."
"It has the capability to produce significant damage to critical infrastructures and thus the very fabric of U.S. society," Graham told the panel.
A likely scenario for an EMP attack involves a nuclear missile launch by a rogue state or terrorist group. In recent months, efforts by North Korea to develop
nuclear technology and launch missiles have raised fears of a near-term EMP attack.
Several potential adversaries have or can acquire the capability to attack the United States with a high-altitude nuclear weapon-generated electromagnetic pulse
(EMP). A determined adversary can achieve an EMP attack capability without having a high level of sophistication.
The 33 Minutes film trailer gives viewers a 2 minute preview of the groundbreaking film about missile defense in America.
The HD film was released February 2009, and outlines what immediate steps need to be taken to protect America and its citizens. More information on the film can be found at http://www.heritage.org/33-minutes/
About 33 Minutes - Protecting America in the New Missile Age
33
Minutes: Protecting America in the New Missile Age is a one-hour documentary produced by The Heritage Foundation that tells the story of the very real threat foreign enemies pose to every one of
us. The truth is brutal - no matter where on Earth a missile is launched from it would take 33 Minutes or less to hit the U.S. target it was programmed to destroy.
Nuclear proliferation around
the world, and the threat of a ballistic missile attack of some kind is mounting as more and more countries obtain nuclear technology. The ongoing threat toward America is also accelerating due
to the fact that there are many rogue nations and terrorist organizations who either have or are seeking ballistic missiles and nuclear technology.
The challenges of protecting America and
its citizens for President Obama's administration are great. Featuring rare footage and in-depth interviews with leading experts in the field, 33 Minutes is the definitive documentary exposing
the untold vulnerability we all face and the action plan necessary to revive a strategic missile defense system that America uniquely can develop, maintain, and employ for its own defense and the
peace-loving world's security
