Overview
- Researchers estimate the global military sector generates about 5.5% of annual greenhouse-gas emissions, which would rank fourth if it were a country.
- UN greenhouse-gas rules still do not require countries to disclose military emissions, and no decision to change that has been announced.
- Analyses cited at the summit quantify conflict-related pollution, including up to 31 million tonnes of CO2 from Gaza’s destruction and rebuilding and a three-year Ukraine total comparable to the yearly output of 120 million petrol cars.
- SIPRI reports record global military spending of roughly $2.7 trillion in 2024, with projections rising to $3.5–$5.2 trillion by 2030.
- Advocates warn EU and NATO procurement will lock in fuel-intensive hardware for decades, noting platforms such as the F-35 typically operate for around 40 years.