The EU’s armed forces must be net zero by 2050
Tom KirkmanIndependent Project Manager
Welcome to the EU Climate-Friendly Net Zero Army of the Future.
• “By 2050, the EU’s armed forces should be climate neutral and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to net zero.”
I swear I am not making this ^ up.
PDF of the Whitepaper is attached.
================================
“Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time and affects all areas of society.
The defense sector is also faced with the challenge of making a contribution to combating climate change.
… In this paper, we now look at efforts at both the European and national level to make the defense sector more climate friendly.
We examine the initiatives undertaken by the European Union and the approaches in countries such as the UK and Germany, which have both initiated important measures towards green defense.
… The Green Transformation of Armed Forces in Europe.
As a result of climate change, the European Union wants to make the defense sector “greener.”
Initiatives based on the latest studies and strategy papers reflect this trend.
Within the framework of the European Green Deal, which aims to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, the defense sector also plays a key role in the implementation of innovative measures.
… The European Defense Fund is funding investments in the research and development of sustainable technologies, which is driving a green transformation of the military while strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy and security.
“We cannot choose either green or strong armed forces. We need strong and green at the same time,” explained NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.
… The EU’s Defense and Climate Change Strategy.
A study by the European Commission and the European Defense Agency found that the defense sector in the EU contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
… The study sets goals for the EU defense sector:
• The EU’s armed forces should achieve a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
• By 2050, the EU’s armed forces should be climate neutral and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to net zero.
• Although no specific percentage figures were provided, the EU defense sector should gradually increase the share of total energy consumption from renewable sources.
• Energy efficiency in military buildings and vehicles should be continuously increased.
The measures recommended by the EU include:
• The development of an overarching EU strategy for defense and climate change.
• Climate-friendly modernization of military buildings and infrastructure.
• Greater consideration of sustainability in procurement and research.
• Expansion of renewable energies on military installations.
• More exercises focused on dealing with climate impacts and energy crises.
• Establishment of an EU center of excellence for defense, energy, and climate.
[ … ]