Climate change has military implications, but militaries will have to cut down their pollution

Despite the extensive analysis of climate change’s impact on national security, the significant contribution of militaries to pollution and their potential capacity for climate mitigation have been overlooked consistently. Despite being among the largest consumers of hydrocarbons, the defence establishment’s responsibility in tackling climate change has been glaringly neglected. The Significance of Defence Emissions According to a report by Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), militaries worldwide are responsible for a substantial portion of global emissions, estimated around 5 per cent. This makes them significant contributors to climate change, yet their role in mitigating emissions has been largely unaddressed in international climate agreements. Government Commitments & Defence Emissions Countries like Australia, as founding members of initiatives like the Net-Zero Government Initiative, have committed to reducing emissions from government operations. However, defence agencies have often been excluded from such commitments, despite their substantial contribution to overall government emissions. Targets & Initiatives for Defence Emissions Reduction Recognising the need for action, many governments are setting targets for emissions reduction within their militaries. Examples include the US Army’s aim to reduce emissions by 50 per cent by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Efforts to reduce defence emissions have included innovative approaches such as the US Navy’s ‘Great Green Fleet,’ which demonstrated the feasibility of alternative fuels and energy efficiency measures. Challenges and Opportunities in Decarbonising Defence Decarbonising defence operations presents significant challenges, particularly in areas where alternatives to fossil fuels are limited. However, reducing emissions from military installations and infrastructure offers tangible opportunities for emission reduction. Recommendations for Action To effectively reduce emissions, it’s essential for defence agencies to measure and report on emissions, update sustainability strategies, prioritise onsite energy production, and leverage innovative alternatives. Collaboration with other jurisdictions and knowledge sharing are also crucial for driving progress. The decarbonisation of Australia’s defence estate presents a significant opportunity for advancing both climate mitigation efforts and broader national security goals. To effectively drive reductions in emissions in a manner that is efficient, cost-effective, safe, and systematic, the report stated that the following actions by the Defence should be taken: Emission Measurement & Reporting Begin by measuring and reporting on emissions, recognising that improvement requires a baseline understanding. Drawing from the example of the US Department of Defence, greater transparency in reporting can lead to more informed decision-making and heightened ambition in emission reduction efforts. Development of Updated Sustainability Strategy Develop an updated, data-driven sustainability strategy and delivery program specifically tailored for the defence estate. This strategy should prioritise projects in a sequenced manner to manage costs, minimise operational impacts, and ensure alignment with wider policy and strategic objectives. Integration of Sustainability in Decision Making Embed sustainability and climate mitigation considerations into all aspects of defence estate sustainment and investment decision-making processes. This includes assessing opportunities to rationalise the estate to achieve emissions reductions, as well as considering the potential role of frameworks such as the National Australian Built Environment Rating System or the Green Star Rating System. Focus on Onsite Energy Production & Storage Prioritise the development of onsite energy production and storage solutions to enhance resilience, energy security, and cost-effectiveness. This approach also aims to reduce reliance on civilian energy networks, thus minimising external impacts. Exploration of Low Emission Alternatives Utilise the scale, expertise, and purchasing power of the Defence to explore cost-effective, innovative low emission alternatives. This may include investigating technologies such as microgrids, modular reactors, and hydrogen as potential solutions. Utilisation of the Defence Estate for Emission Reduction Leverage the defence estate as a platform for reducing and offsetting operational emissions. This could involve deploying additional energy production infrastructure, establishing electric vehicle charging infrastructure, supporting reforestation initiatives, and implementing carbon capture and sequestration projects. Knowledge Sharing & Collaboration Actively pursue knowledge sharing initiatives with military partners in other jurisdictions and engage with the private sector, such as port or airport operators. Addressing emissions from the defence estate presents a strategic opportunity for countries like Australia to make meaningful contributions to climate mitigation efforts while also enhancing national security objectives. By prioritising systematic, cost-effective measures, defence agencies can play a pivotal role in achieving net-zero emissions targets.