Pentagon Shifts Focus Away from Climate Action Amid Rising Heat and Storms Impacting U.S. Troops

Retired Marine Corps gunnery sergeant Vida Rivera is all too familiar with the dangers of extreme heat. During her military training, she suffered from heat exhaustion while carrying a heavy pack. Later, in Afghanistan, she drove a truck in sweltering 120°F temperatures. To tackle the heat, she even took a mechanics course multiple times to ensure she could fix the truck’s air conditioning. Rivera understood: soldiers need water and manageable temperatures for their safety.

The climate crisis isn’t a distant worry for the U.S. military. It’s a daily challenge. Since 2018, over 10,000 troops have suffered from heat-related illnesses, and extreme weather has affected bases across the country, harming operations. Floods and heatwaves threaten everything from runways to nuclear readiness.

The Pentagon has long recognized climate change as a national security issue, not just an environmental one. Why? Because severe weather can hinder military readiness. “I think it puts our troops at risk,” says Erin Sikorsky, director of the Center for Climate & Security. “If troops can’t operate in extreme conditions, it’s malpractice.”

Recently, the Pentagon’s approach has shifted. Funding for climate research has been reduced, and adaptation plans are being abandoned. Former Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth even referred to concerns about climate change as “climate change crap.” Critics warn this new direction could leave the military unprepared, reducing its effectiveness in a world increasingly affected by climate challenges.

Military facilities endure the brunt of extreme weather. For instance, Hurricane Michael hit Tyndall Air Force Base in 2018 with winds of 160 mph, resulting in nearly $5 billion in damages. Hurricane season poses a constant threat, with the National Weather Service highlighting how higher ocean temperatures fuel powerful storms.

Moreover, rising sea levels threaten many coastal bases. A report from the Union of Concerned Scientists predicts that half of these installations may face hundreds of flooding events each year. Climate change impacts not just training but also essential systems, like nuclear deterrence. Jamie Kwong, a researcher at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, warns that climate issues could hamper nuclear capabilities.

From 2022 onwards, the military has responded to over 230 climate emergencies, according to the Center for Climate and Security. Cases of heat-related illnesses among soldiers increased by 52% between 2020 and 2024. Fort Benning, one of the Army’s largest training bases, is notorious for excessive heat, prompting the establishment of a Heat Center in 2019 that educates military personnel on heat illness prevention and treatment.

Training activities are often curtailed on especially hot days, making “black flag” days—where temperatures exceed 90°F—more frequent. Caroline Baxter, a former defense official, believes the military might need to relocate training entirely to ensure soldier safety.

Climate doesn’t just impact training. Higher temperatures can affect military hardware. Planes may struggle to take off in hot, humid conditions, potentially reducing their payload or forcing them to cancel missions altogether. Likewise, warmer seawater complicates naval operations.

Experts like retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré highlight how climate change can influence global stability. He notes that drought and resource scarcity have contributed to conflicts, like the Syrian civil war. Melting Arctic ice is opening previously inaccessible shipping lanes, which could heighten military tensions.

In the past, the Pentagon prioritized understanding climate issues in strategy. By 2008, the military recognized global warming as a national security threat. However, recent leadership changes have reversed this policy. Hegseth’s comments suggest a new doctrine in which climate change is ignored. This could disadvantage U.S. forces compared to adversaries that are factoring climate issues into their strategies.

Yet, as the climate crisis grows, military operations may need to adapt to the changing environment. Ignoring climate change could leave troops vulnerable in future conflicts. Collected data and studies on climate impacts and resilience have essential roles in future planning.

Staying informed about the military’s evolving stance on climate is crucial, as it’s more than an environmental issue—it’s a matter of operational readiness and national security. For further insights into military emissions and their impacts, you can visit the Union of Concerned Scientists for comprehensive resources.

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