Emissions From Wars Remain Unreported

Facebook Tweet LinkedIn

Common Wealth recently released a report on military emissions. Militaries are the largest fuel consumers worldwide, accounting for 5.5% of these emissions. Yet, this activity, as it affects the climate during wars and battles, is not reported at all.

How Tech Could Improve Climate –AI Has A Role

According to a recent article in Scientific America, “Nations aren’t required to report their military climate pollution under the Paris Agreement.”

Scientists have pressed the United Nations to set rules for military emissions data, but these have been ignored. One can only guess at the reasons. Part of it may be that figures are hard to estimate. Another possibility is that many wars around the world are currently being politicized. Combatants have reasons to avoid disclosing climate change effects in situations where many have already taken sides and could use data to support their objections to using military force.

Emissions Beyond Measure

There is an emerging body of evidence that wars significantly contribute to the climate crisis. In a paper published early this year, titled “A Multitemporal Snapshot of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the Israel-Gaza Conflict,” the authors wrote, “The projected emissions from the first 60 days of the Israel-Gaza war were greater than the annual emissions of 20 individual countries and territories. If we include war infrastructure built by both Israel and Hamas, including the Hamas’ tunnel network and Israel’s protective fence or ‘Iron Wall,’ the total emissions increase to more than over 33 individual countries and territories.”

The reality of the military issue and how it might be addressed is that many nations that claim they are part of the climate change solution are either at war or are significant providers of weapons. These weapon providers certainly include the US, Russia, and China.

The climate effects of war might be considered a military secret.