Planet: Critical

Decarbonising the War Machine | Sherri Goodman

Oct 17, 2024
Sherri Goodman, Secretary General of the International Military Council on Climate and Security, is a trailblazer in climate security. She reveals how the U.S. military is leading the charge in decarbonization efforts, implementing sustainable technologies like hybrid vehicles and micro grids. Goodman discusses the clash between climate action and military strategy, and debates the sustainability of such initiatives given the broader drivers of conflict. She emphasizes the military's role in safeguarding national security amidst resource scarcity and climate crises.
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INSIGHT

Military Framed Climate As A Risk

  • Militaries treated climate as a security risk from at least the 1970s, with focused action after 2007's CNA report.
  • Sherri Goodman says militaries integrate climate risk into strategy because they can't wait for 100% certainty.
ADVICE

Keep Climate Work Technical And Pragmatic

  • When politics blocks climate language, keep doing technical risk assessments and tools quietly.
  • Use pragmatic framing like 'disruptive weather' and continue building capabilities despite politicization.
INSIGHT

Climate Changes Strategic Footprints

  • Climate shifts change where militaries must operate, like a newly open Arctic and shifting fish stocks.
  • Militaries increasingly serve as humanitarian responders to storms, fires, floods, and epidemics.
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