ID | 191726 |
Title Proper | Low-carbon warfare |
Other Title Information | climate change, net zero and military operations |
Language | ENG |
Author | Depledge, Duncan |
Summary / Abstract (Note) | Defence has a carbon problem. The strengthening of net-zero emissions targets in response to the deepening climate crisis is forcing militaries to find answers to the question of how to wield force effectively within the constraints of a net-zero world. This article introduces the concept of ‘low-carbon warfare’ as a means of capturing recent developments, the extent to which they dovetail with existing concerns regarding the business of war in the twenty-first century, and the prospect of significant changes to how militaries operate in the years ahead as the global energy transition unfolds. The article demonstrates that the pursuit of low-carbon warfare will not be easy owing to the practical challenges of transitioning militaries away from fossil fuels. Moreover, low-carbon warfare will not mitigate all the ethical and environmental concerns associated with military deployments up to and including war. It does nevertheless offer a valuable starting point for conceptualizing how militaries are beginning to address their ‘carbon bootprints’ and what this will mean for future operations. |
`In' analytical Note | International Affairs Vol. 99, No.2; Mar 2023: p.667–685
|
Journal Source | International Affairs Vol: 99 No 2 |
Key Words | Climate Change ; Low-Carbon Warfare ; Net zero and Military Operations |