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3d ago

Study Finds Modest US Military Budget Cuts Could Slash Emissions as Pentagon Proposes Record Funding

Since publication, global media have drawn attention to the Pentagon’s energy use, fueling calls for defense planning to account for climate impacts.

The seal of the US Department of Defense is seen at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, DC, November 28, 2016.
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Energy security plays an important role in the common security
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Overview

  • The PLOS Climate study found the Department of Defense emitted about 636 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent between 2010 and 2019, making it the world’s largest institutional greenhouse gas source.
  • Analysis of 1975–2022 data shows that reducing military spending produces larger decreases in energy consumption than equivalent budget increases generate additional use.
  • Aviation operations consume 55% of the Pentagon’s energy over the past half-century, highlighting jet fuel as the top target for cuts.
  • Modeled scenarios suggest that sustained annual cuts of 6.59% from 2023 to 2032 could save energy equal to the total consumption of Slovenia or the state of Delaware by 2032.
  • President Trump’s administration has proposed a 13.4% increase to a $1.01 trillion defense budget for the coming fiscal year even as researchers prepare follow-up analyses to unpack the spending-emissions link in other militaries.