Explore the devastating impact of the US military and its connection to the climate crisis. Learn about the military's environmental pollution, confrontations with politicians regarding the defense budget and climate change, and the health crisis caused by burn pits. Discover how to support the documentary and find more information about the speakers' work.
The US military is the largest polluter in the world and is not held accountable for its emissions, highlighting the urgent need to address its environmental impact.
The US military has a history of reckless dumping of harmful chemicals, such as at Camp Lejeune, resulting in severe health consequences for military families and surrounding communities.
Military pollution disproportionately affects marginalized communities in both the US and overseas territories, highlighting the class divide and the need for environmental justice.
Deep dives
The Environmental Impact of the US Military
The documentary investigates the environmental impact of the US military, focusing on its massive carbon emissions and pollution. Despite being the largest polluter in the world, the military is not held accountable for its emissions and is even exempt from international climate agreements. The film reveals the harmful effects of military pollution on communities, such as the poisoning of aquifers in places like Camp Lejeune, as well as the destruction of ecosystems and habitats. It also highlights the class divide, with marginalized and poorer communities being disproportionately affected by military pollution, both within the US and in overseas territories. The film challenges the notion of a 'green military' and exposes the greenwashing of the US empire, emphasizing the urgent need to address the illegitimacy of military ventures and the devastating consequences of military pollution.
The Reckless Dumping of Deadly Chemicals and the Camp Lejeune Example
The documentary uncovers the reckless dumping of deadly chemicals by the US military and highlights specific examples such as Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. The military knowingly and for decades dumped harmful chemicals into the groundwater, resulting in severe health consequences for military families and surrounding communities. The film sheds light on the lack of justice and compensation for those affected, despite the long-term health impacts. This example illustrates the callous disregard of the military for its own service members and the local communities it operates in.
The Impact on Colonized and Occupied Territories
The documentary explores the impact of military pollution in colonized and occupied territories. It examines places like Guam and Okinawa, where the military outsources its pollution to vulnerable communities without adequate representation or rights. The film exposes the destruction of ecosystems, such as Hanoko Bay in Okinawa, where the US military is filling the bay with gravel, destroying habitats and endangering species. It highlights the class divide and the disproportionate burden of military pollution on marginalized communities, both within and outside of the United States.
The Geostrategic and Environmental Impacts of US Military Adaptation
The documentary raises questions about the geostrategic and environmental impacts of the US military's adaptation to the green energy era. It challenges the notion that the military can simply transition to green energy while continuing its hegemonic and imperialistic practices. The film argues that the military's focus on preparing for war, particularly with China, diverts attention and resources away from addressing the climate crisis and achieving global cooperation. It exposes the contradiction of investing in green energy initiatives while maintaining a militaristic and exploitative global empire.
The Environmental Impact of the US Military
The podcast discusses the environmental impact of the US military and its wars in the Middle East. One main point highlighted is the extensive pollution caused by the military's existence and operations. The use of bullets alone releases heavy metals into the air, which contaminate the soil and pose health risks, especially for children. The discussion emphasizes the need for anti-militarism and urges the environmental movement to reject any form of military intervention or presence due to the irreversible damage it causes to the environment and human health.
Environmental Destruction and War in Iraq and Afghanistan
The podcast explores the specific environmental impact of US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The burn pits used during the wars have caused severe health issues, resulting in cancers and birth defects among soldiers and civilians. Additionally, the vaporization of heavy metals from munitions, including bullets, has led to widespread pollution, making much of Iraq uninhabitable and posing long-term health risks. The discussion highlights the devastating consequences of warfare on the environment and the urgent need to address the issue within the context of the broader climate crisis.
In this episode of Guerrilla History, we are joined by Mike Prysner to discuss the devastating impact of the US military, and the forthcoming documentary that Mike and Abby Martin are putting together on this topic titled Earth's Greatest Enemy (watch the trailer here)! This is a critical and deeply underappreciated topic that we really appreciate Mike and Abby taking the effort to tell the story of. Do us a favor, share this episode, and contribute to the finishing of Earth's Greatest Enemy if you are able to!
Mike Prysner is a co-founder of March Forward, a long time organizer with the ANSWER Coalition, and is on the National Board of Directors of Veterans for Peace. He also is a producer and cowriter for The Empire Files. You can find out more about the documentary and the information for how to contribute to it at earthsgreatestenemy.com. Mike can be followed on twitter @MikePrysner, Empire Files is @EmpireFiles, and Eyes Left is @EyesLeftPod.