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Energy Evolution

War & emissions: The climate costs of conflict

Feb 25, 2025
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.
30:59

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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.

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