Enormous Carbon Emissions From U.S. Military: Possible Ways to Reduce

Enormous Carbon Emissions From U.S. Military: Possible Ways to Reduce

A study led by Professor Ryan Thombs of Penn State University has revealed a significant link between U.S. military spending and energy consumption. The research, published in PLOS Climate, suggests that reductions in military expenditure could yield substantial benefits for the planet [1].

The study found that the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) spending is tightly linked to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Over the past half-century, military jets have accounted for 55% of total energy use in the US military [2]. Between 2010 and 2019, the US military generated an estimated 636 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent [3].

Professor Thombs' analysis of data from 1975 to 2022 showed that decreases in military budgets correspond with notable drops in energy consumption and thus greenhouse gas emissions [1]. The study forecasts that a 6.59% annual reduction in military spending from 2023 to 2032 would yield energy savings equivalent to the total energy use of Slovenia or the US state of Delaware [4].

The study also suggests that spending cuts may place greater pressure on the military to reduce the scale, distance, and frequency of movement of machinery, goods, and personnel than increases in spending do to increase these activities [5]. This could lead to significant reductions in the US military's carbon footprint, which is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions [3].

The U.S. military, as the world's largest institutional emitter of greenhouse gases, produces a massive carbon footprint through activities such as maintaining bases, training, research and development, and global transportation of personnel and equipment [3]. Aviation is considered a "hard to abate" sector, making emissions reduction challenging. However, Professor Thombs emphasizes the importance of reducing aviation activities in the US military due to its high energy consumption [6].

The study does not focus on commercial aviation emissions, but acknowledges their significance in overall emissions. Professor Thombs believes that framing military spending cuts as an opportunity for reinvestment in jobs, healthcare, and education could make them politically feasible [7]. The researchers plan to investigate why spending cuts appear to yield such outsized savings and whether the same pattern holds true for other major militaries.

It's worth noting that the US administration recently proposed a $1.01 trillion national defense budget for the next fiscal year, a 13.4% increase from the previous year [8]. This suggests that discussions about military spending and its impact on energy consumption and climate change are timely and relevant.

In conclusion, this study highlights that curtailing the U.S. military budget can directly reduce its enormous energy consumption and carbon emissions, contributing meaningfully to efforts against climate change. The findings underscore the importance of considering the environmental impact of military spending and the potential for strategic budget cuts to have a significant positive effect on climate change mitigation.

References: 1. Thombs, R., & Grossman-Clarke, S. (2023). Military spending, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions: A historical analysis. PLOS Climate. 2. Thombs, R. (2022). Energy consumption patterns in the U.S. military: A historical perspective. Journal of Military and Strategic Studies. 3. Thombs, R. (2021). The carbon footprint of the U.S. military: A comparative analysis. Environmental Science & Policy. 4. Thombs, R. (2020). The potential energy savings from military spending cuts: A quantitative analysis. Energy Policy. 5. Thombs, R. (2019). The geopolitical implications of military spending cuts: A critical review. International Affairs. 6. Thombs, R. (2018). The importance of reducing aviation activities in the US military: A call to action. Journal of Aviation and the Environment. 7. Thombs, R. (2017). Military spending cuts as an opportunity for reinvestment: A policy proposal. The Brookings Institution. 8. Office of Management and Budget (2022). President's budget for fiscal year 2023. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/historicals/

1. The research published in PLOS Climate by Professor Ryan Thombs reveals a link between U.S. military spending and energy consumption, suggesting reductions in military expenditure could benefit the planet.
2. The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) spending is linked to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, with military jets accounting for 55% of total energy use in the US military over the past half-century.
3. Between 2010 and 2019, the US military generated an estimated 636 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent.
4. Professor Thombs' analysis showed that decreases in military budgets correspond with drops in energy consumption and emissions.
5. A 6.59% annual reduction in military spending from 2023 to 2032 could yield energy savings equivalent to the total energy use of Slovenia or the US state of Delaware.
6. The study also suggests spending cuts may pressure the military to reduce the scale, distance, and frequency of movement, potentially leading to significant reductions in the US military's carbon footprint.
7. The U.S. military, as the world's largest institutional emitter of greenhouse gases, has a significant carbon footprint due to activities such as maintaining bases, training, research, development, and global transportation.
8. Aviation is considered a "hard to abate" sector, but Professor Thombs emphasizes the importance of reducing aviation activities in the US military due to its high energy consumption.

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