Uniting for Change: The Urgent Call for Environmental Justice Groups to Advocate for a Militarism-Free Future

As we approach Earth Day, the spotlight remains largely on traditional polluters like Big Oil. However, an often-ignored player in the environmental crisis is the U.S. military. A coalition of environmental justice organizations, including 350.org and the Sunrise Movement, recently signed an open letter led by CODEPINK. This letter aims to highlight the harmful link between military actions and environmental degradation.

The U.S. military is not just a participant; it’s the largest institutional polluter in the world. It consumes an astonishing 4.6 billion gallons of fuel each year, accounting for about 77-80% of energy use by the U.S. government. If it were a country, it would rank as the 47th largest emitter of greenhouse gases globally. Yet, the environmental impact of the military often goes unmentioned in mainstream discussions about climate change.

The ongoing wars have devastating consequences. For instance, the conflict in Gaza resulted in more carbon emissions in just two months than 20 entire countries combined. In Ukraine, the war has already led to over 119 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions and significant deforestation. Yet, discussions around climate change typically overlook how militarism contributes to these severe environmental impacts.

Nuclear threats are another alarming concern. In regions like Ukraine and parts of Southwest Asia and North Africa, the looming possibility of nuclear conflict poses an extraordinary risk to the planet. The aftermath of a nuclear war could lead to a “nuclear winter,” disrupting ecosystems and food production drastically. Experts warn that escalating tensions could result in catastrophic climate consequences, intertwining global security concerns with environmental stability.

Recent international climate meetings, like COP, often fail to address military actions as a critical factor in environmental harm. Countries in the Global South, already dealing with severe climate impacts, have had little support in addressing the pollution primarily caused by the Global North. In addition to financial disparities, these negotiations generally ignore the profound threat posed by militarism to global environmental health.

The signatories of the open letter assert the need for a radical shift in our perception of the climate crisis. They argue that the destructive nature of the war economy is a fundamental issue that we cannot ignore if we want to achieve climate justice. Environmental justice and anti-war activism must be integrated, as both campaigns seek to address the root causes of systemic harm.

This movement cannot succeed alone. While the current signatory organizations are committed, many more environmental groups are needed to join this call. Reducing pollution from corporate interests is crucial, but the military’s role in exacerbating the climate crisis must also be scrutinized.

The letter concludes with a powerful statement rejecting militarism and violence in favor of peace and diplomacy. As we strive for a sustainable future, we should recognize that climate justice is about more than just protecting our ecosystems; it’s about understanding and changing the forces that destroy them. Our goal must be a future free from war and militarism, where environmental and human rights are interlinked. The time to act is now.

For more on this movement, you can read the full letter.

Check out this related article: Urgent Alert: Lakes Are Rapidly Losing Oxygen—What This Means for Our Ecosystems