POLITICO Energy
DOD will end its ‘climate change crap.’ That could potentially backfire on the Pentagon.
Mar 17, 2025
Scott Waldman, a White House reporter for E&E News focused on climate change, dives into the Department of Defense's controversial decision to halt climate initiatives. He discusses how this move could potentially jeopardize military readiness and strategic objectives. Waldman highlights the intricate link between climate efforts and national security, cautioning against the long-term repercussions of budget cuts on the military's operational effectiveness. The conversation sheds light on the evolving political landscape regarding climate science within federal agencies.
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Quick takeaways
- The DOD's initiative to cut climate work may harm military readiness by overlooking essential updates needed for vulnerable infrastructures.
- Experts argue that dismissing climate-focused projects could lead to challenges in operational effectiveness as troops face harsher environmental conditions.
Deep dives
The Department of Defense's Shift Away from Climate Work
The Department of Defense (DOD) is actively targeting climate-related work, influenced by statements from officials who deem such efforts unnecessary for military readiness. This initiative includes cutting approximately $30 million in studies focused on climate impacts. Some military strategies, such as developing hybrid tanks, are being misconstrued as climate work, when in reality, they serve practical purposes like extending operational range and reducing fuel consumption. The process of identifying and eliminating climate-related contracts is complex, with many activities potentially labeled as climate work actually contributing to military strategy and efficiency.
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