For each additional $100 billion of military spending, global annual GHG emissions climb by 32 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e), a new study by Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR) has found.
The study, which was led by researcher Dr Stuart Parkinson, examined 11 studies published over the past two years to determine a clear link between increased military spend and a rise in emissions.
This increase is driven by a combination of both direct and indirect sources – direct emissions are generated by military fuel consumption and operations, while indirect impacts include the expansion of industrial facilities, supply chains, and broader investment linked to military activity.
‘An urgent need’
“There is an urgent need for rapid decarbonisation to prevent the most dangerous effects of climate change,” Parkinson commented. “But recent and planned rearmament programmes and wars are pushing the world in the opposite direction. This needs to change – and fast.”
As the study found, NATO’s planned military spending increase to 3.5% GDP would result in an additional 132 million tCO2e per year, comparable to the territorial emissions of Kuwait.
In addition, it noted that between 2019 and 2024, increased military spend has already added around 64 million tCO2e – close to the territorial emissions of Greece.
Climate target
As a result of this increased spend, the chances of meeting the Paris Agreement climate target of 1.5°C are significantly reduced, according to the study.
The researchers call for ‘urgency’ in reducing military emissions, through a combination of both technological and non-technological measures.
SGR is a UK-based membership organisation of scientists, engineers, and academics working on issues at the intersection of peace, social justice, and environmental sustainability. Dr Stuart Parkinson, who holds a PhD in climate science and work on military technologies and security strategies, is its executive director. Read more here.
