Join Patrick Bigger, a research director focused on military emissions, Lennard de Klerk, who evaluates the climate impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and Benjamin Neimark, a senior lecturer researching military carbon footprints. They discuss how military actions lead to a significant rise in greenhouse gas emissions, with the war in Ukraine alone exceeding emissions of several industrialized nations. The need for transparency in military emissions reporting and the environmental costs of warfare are emphasized, highlighting the urgent intersection of conflict and climate.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict illustrates how military activities significantly escalate global greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the urgent need for accountability in military emissions reporting.
Addressing military emissions requires innovative technological solutions and a cooperative approach between environmental and military sectors to balance climate and security needs.
Deep dives
Impact of Military Conflicts on Carbon Emissions
The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has significantly increased carbon emissions globally, overshadowing discussions on energy supply disruptions and commodity price volatility. The military activities in Ukraine and other ongoing conflicts, such as those in the Middle East, contribute to a notable rise in greenhouse gas emissions, stemming from direct combat, energy use, and subsequent infrastructure destruction. With militaries being among the largest energy consumers, their activities exacerbate the climate crisis, representing about 5.5% of total global emissions, which is nearly double that of the commercial aviation sector. This unprecedented surge highlights the urgent need for more robust accountability in military emissions to combat climate change effectively.
Challenges of Reporting and Accountability
Military emissions reporting remains largely voluntary, complicating international climate negotiations and accountability measures. Historical exemptions contributed to the absence of military emissions in climate agreements like the Paris Accord, limiting accountability for militaries' carbon footprints. Furthermore, the moral implications of attributing emissions to specific conflicts often result in disputed accountability, particularly in cases of invasion and territorial conflict. As global tensions rise, government and military pressure to increase defense spending may shift focus from climate concerns to energy security, making emissions accountability even more critical.
Technological Solutions and Long-term Strategies
Technological advancements and operational changes could potentially reduce military-related carbon emissions, especially considering that a substantial percentage originates from fuel consumption in military operations. For instance, enhanced renewable energy deployment and efficiency improvements in equipment could lead to significant emissions cuts. However, addressing the root cause of emissions—namely, military conflict—must be prioritized, as reducing funding for militaries can curtail harmful activities and emissions effectively. Ultimately, fostering cooperation between environmental advocates and military officials may be crucial in navigating emissions reduction while maintaining security needs.
On Energy Evolution this week, Eklavya Gupte and Rosemary Griffin examine the often-overlooked environmental ramifications of military conflicts as we mark the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Lennard de Klerk, who has studied the climate impact of this war, gives us some insights into how warfare, fuel consumption, forest fires, attacks on energy infrastructure and the estimated costs of rebuilding Ukraine have led to a surge in greenhouse gas emissions.
As concerns around the climate costs of war have intensified, there have been wider calls for military emissions to be calculated and included in international reporting.
We speak to Patrick Bigger, research director at the Climate and Community Institute, and Benjamin Neimark, a senior lecturer at the School of Business and Management at Queen Mary University of London, to learn more about the growing carbon footprint of militaries globally.
Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now published on Tuesdays.
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