Did you know that Somalia’s maritime police are training to handle oil spills? Or that NATO personnel are inspecting industrial waste in Kosovo? These aren’t your typical defense stories, but they show a shift in focus within the industry. With climate change impacts growing, defense contractors are starting to take notice—though not everyone seems to have caught up.
The term “climate security threat” once sounded overly bureaucratic. Now, it’s crystal clear we need to pay attention. In 2024, global temperatures crossed the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold. This has led to significant challenges, with Europe’s environmental agency identifying 36 climate risks. Over 55 million people are affected by record droughts. These statistics aren’t abstract anymore; they are the reality defense forces must face today.
Historically, the defense sector has struggled to incorporate climate issues into its strategy. Safety and performance have dominated priorities, while environmental concerns lagged behind. A detailed study by Boston Consulting Group highlights that defense contractors have mostly ignored the 90–95% of emissions outside direct control—those embedded in the supply chain or embedded in the final products. This could reflect a deeper awareness of the issue than they let on, rather than simple indifference. Tackling emissions in military hardware presents real challenges, but pressure is mounting from investors and society alike to act.
In fact, environmental concerns are becoming a significant factor for investors. The Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative includes 128 members overseeing about $43 trillion in assets, all pledging to hit net-zero emissions by 2050. This growing influence affects defense contractors’ ability to bid for contracts, impacting stock prices and capital costs. Former US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated, “no country can find lasting security without addressing the climate crisis.” Such strong words should resonate beyond just corporate images—action is required.
What’s fascinating—and a bit alarming—is how climate issues are shaping defense missions. Conflicts now rise over resources like water and arable land. For example, EU crisis management missions now include environmental advisors in countries like Somalia and Ukraine. In Ghana, the EU mediates disputes between farmers and herders about land access. These aren’t just hypothetical scenarios; they are real-world issues driven by climate factors like soil degradation.
The defense sector is undergoing a significant identity shift. Some contractors, like Safran, are taking bold steps by treating emissions as a cost through internal carbon pricing. Others, like BAE Systems, are developing fuel-efficient aircraft. The US Army is even exploring electric and hybrid vehicles for tactical use. The tension between reducing emissions and maintaining military effectiveness remains a challenge, but it’s clear that a balance needs to be found.
Decarbonizing defense operations will take time—and some experts argue that the sector might struggle to keep pace with climate projections. The more immediate question is whether companies that ignore the connection between environmental issues and conflict will still be relevant. Data suggests the clock is ticking faster than many contractors expected.
As the fight against climate change escalates, how defense contractors respond will shape not only their future but the broader landscape of global security.
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The Climate Security Threat
