3 Compelling Reasons the Climate Crisis Calls for a Revamped Perspective on War

As tensions rise across the globe, discussions about demilitarization seem distant. Researchers are faced with a tough challenge: how to understand military force amid the urgency of climate change and our reliance on fossil fuels.

In 2024, Earth hit a significant milestone, with average temperatures exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for the first time. This is critical as major conflicts, like those in Ukraine and Gaza, continue to unfold. It’s clear that we need to reconsider the connection between war and climate change. Here are three key reasons why this relationship is vital.

War and Climate Change: A Dangerous Link

War has historically harmed the environment. However, we’re just starting to grasp the full extent of its climate impact. Researchers have looked closely at greenhouse gas emissions from armed conflicts, especially in areas like Ukraine and Gaza, and they’re uncovering some startling facts.

A study from Scientists for Global Responsibility estimates that the global military footprint in terms of carbon emissions is higher than that of Russia, which currently ranks fourth in emissions worldwide. Notably, the U.S. military might be the largest single emitter, potentially ranking as the 47th biggest greenhouse gas producer if it were a country itself. This would place it somewhere between Peru and Portugal.

Understandably, these figures come with challenges. Many military emissions data are either incomplete or missing, leading researchers to fill in gaps with government statistics. In countries like China and Russia, assessing military emissions is particularly tricky.

The ongoing wars also complicate international climate efforts. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, scientific collaboration between the West and Russia in the Arctic has faltered, hindering important climate research.

Critics of military spending emphasize the need to confront the environmental costs of war. Some argue that demilitarization might be essential to tackle the climate crisis effectively, while others advocate for a more measured approach. Regardless, acknowledging the impact of conflict on the environment raises pressing questions about how we can conduct military operations in a less harmful manner.

Military Responses to Climate Change

Before we recognized how war affects the climate, experts considered whether climate change could act as a “threat multiplier.” This suggests that climate change might increase violence in regions already facing food and water shortages, internal conflicts, and political instability.

Some conflicts in the Middle East and the Sahel region have even been labeled “climate wars,” suggesting they might not have occurred without the pressures of climate change.

In short, as the effects of climate change become more pronounced, we need to rethink our approach to military action. Recognizing this connection is crucial, not just for current conflicts but also for shaping future policies that are both effective and environmentally conscious.

For further insights into the military’s role in climate change, you can check the reports from Scientists for Global Responsibility and related research from the Conflict and Environment Observatory.

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Climate change, military emissions, geopolitical tensions, war, climate crisis