The defence sector is among the world’s biggest polluters

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🗞️ Driving the news: The defence sector, a major global polluter responsible for 5.5% of emissions, is taking steps toward sustainability
• Initiatives include adopting hybrid-electric vehicles, renewable energy in camps, and advanced flight simulators to cut emissions
• However, many militaries still lag in aligning operations with climate adaptation goals.

🔭 The context: Since the UN Security Council's first climate debate in 2007, there’s growing recognition of climate change as a security issue
• Militaries face dual challenges: adapting to climate impacts while maintaining operational readiness
• Key innovations, such as hydrogen-powered vehicles and heat-resistant uniforms, aim to tackle the sector's environmental and strategic challenges

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Military emissions exacerbate climate change, undermining global carbon goals
• Greener military operations could reduce the sector's carbon footprint and minimize environmental damage from conflicts and training exercises
• A focus on sustainability in the defence sector aligns national security with global climate priorities

⏭️ What's next: NATO’s Climate Action Plan aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, requiring immediate investments in green technologies
• Increased transparency in emissions reporting is essential for accountability
• However, geopolitical tensions and civilian delays in climate action may impede progress

💬 One quote: “These increases in spending are translating directly into increasing military emissions and driving a climate crisis that militaries argue is a threat to national security.” – Doug Weir, CEOBS Director

📈 One stat: The defence sector accounts for 5.5% of global emissions annually, per CEOBS

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