Carbon Bootprint: How Much Carbon Does the Military Emit?
As global leaders convene for COP29 climate talks in Azerbaijan, a critical issue remains underreported: the carbon emissions generated by the world’s armed forces. Militaries are among the largest consumers of fuel, yet their emissions are often excluded from international climate agreements and reporting mechanisms.
Key Points
- Significant Emissions: If considered a single nation, global militaries would rank as the fourth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, accounting for approximately 5.5% of global emissions.
- Lack of Transparency: Many countries do not report military emissions to international climate bodies. In 2023, only Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Norway provided such data.
- Security Concerns: Some defense forces argue that disclosing fuel consumption details could compromise national security by revealing operational capabilities.
- Exemptions in Agreements: Military emissions were excluded from the 1997 Kyoto Protocol and the 2015 Paris Agreement, leading to significant gaps in accountability.
Implications
The absence of comprehensive data on military emissions undermines global efforts to limit temperature increases to below 1.5°C. Transparency in this sector is essential for developing effective climate policies and mitigating the environmental impact of defense activities.
