Rising military spending and armament across Europe are undermining efforts to combat climate change, according to a recent event organized in Brussels by the European Network against Arms Trade (ENAAT) and Transnational Institute (TNI). Experts at the event, citing data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), highlighted the significant increase in military expenditures and the associated rise in carbon emissions. Nick Buxton, knowledge hub coordinator at TNI, emphasized the substantial carbon footprint of military operations, estimated to account for approximately 5.5% of global emissions. He attributed this to increased investments in military equipment, such as tanks and F-35 fighter jets, which contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
Laeëtitia Sédou, project officer at ENAAT, pointed out that EU military spending has surged in recent years, rising from €3.32 billion in 2021 to €7.67 billion in 2023. She noted a shift in the EU’s approach from 2017 onward, marked by increased funding for the arms industry through various initiatives like the European Defence Fund and European Defence Industry Programme.
Lawmakers, such as Clare Daly and Mick Wallace from The Left group in the European Parliament, condemned the prioritization of military spending over climate action. They criticized the EU’s decision not to include military emissions in the Global Stocktake at COP28 and called for more transparency and accountability in reporting such emissions. Daly emphasized the contradiction between promoting peace and channeling funds into armament, which she believes intensifies tensions and increases the likelihood of conflict.
While Ionela Maria Ciolan from the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies acknowledged the need for investment in defense and arms production, she suggested that the EU could prioritize greening its armies and reducing the environmental footprint of its armed forces. She proposed exploring research and development of low-carbon military technologies and fuels as potential solutions.
The event highlighted the urgent need for policymakers and the public to recognize the impact of conflict-related carbon emissions. Advocates stress the importance of accounting for these emissions in climate change strategies and promoting greater transparency and data collection on military operations. They emphasize that addressing the climate crisis requires a comprehensive approach that includes reducing emissions from all sectors, including the military.
