A major, yet often overlooked, issue contributing to global climate change is the substantial carbon footprint of the world’s militaries. Governments wax poetic about climate change while funding planet-cooking war machines to the tune of billions, too insatiable to kick the addiction to precision-guided munition and too myopic to see the mushroom clouds on the horizon.
Specifically, America’s military emissions surpass those of many industrialised countries, making the US Department of Defence the world’s largest institutional oil consumer. A 2022 report by the Conflict and Environment Observatory and Scientists for Global Responsibility estimates the global military carbon footprint to be approximately 2,750 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, or 5.5 per cent of total global emissions, based on data on active military personnel, emissions per personnel from stationary bases and mobile vehicles, and supply chain emission multipliers related to military activities.
The UK and US militaries spew as much carbon per person as nations, with the Pentagon’s giant footprint exceeding emissions from Peru and Switzerland. If it were a country, the US war machine would rank first in per-capita pollution worldwide.
The Pentagon’s extensive global network of bases and operations contributes to significant greenhouse gas emissions. The US has over 750 military bases in 80 countries. Despite their huge impact, military emissions are consistently excluded from climate agreements and national carbon assessments. This omission seriously undermines global climate mitigation efforts. Cop28, therefore, provides another critical opportunity to address this gap by acknowledging military emissions and implementing concrete measures to reduce them.
Employing a “social cost of carbon” framework to estimate climate damage from emissions, a first-of-its-kind study by US and UK think tanks calculates both countries’ militaries “owe” at least $111 billion in reparations to communities most harmed by their planet-heating pollution, with the US responsible for $106bn and the UK $5bn based on 430 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emitted since the 2015 Paris climate agreement. The report states that “the environmental costs of maintaining the global military reach of the US and UK armed forces are astonishing”, citing emissions since Paris exceeding the UK’s total annual greenhouse gas output.
Reducing military forces, weapons production and overseas bases would drastically cut reliance on fossil fuels
In 2021, the International Military Council on Climate and Security recognised that the defence sector is the most significant institutional consumer of hydrocarbons globally. Strategies such as setting specific targets for military emission reductions, optimising energy efficiency in operations and infrastructure, and integrating climate risks into defence policies can meaningfully decrease emissions while simultaneously bolstering security.
An even more transformative approach involves demilitarisation, which promises huge climate benefits. Reducing military forces, weapons production and overseas bases would drastically cut reliance on fossil fuels and shrink environmental footprints. Redirecting funds and resources from the military to climate adaptation and sustainable development could have profound positive effects. Instead the world is barrelling in the opposite direction, increasing military spending to the tune of trillions of dollars with geopolitical intelligence analysts calling for forever wars instead of diplomacy and peace from Ukraine to Gaza.
Earlier this month, the joint Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation summit took the lead in calling for an arms embargo on Israel, which would be one such step toward demilitarisation.
The US has granted over $124bn in military assistance to Israel since the Second World War, the most of any country, and is currently providing $3.8bn per year under a 10-year plan started in 2016. The US House recently passed a bill to give an additional $3bn in aid to Israel. With a current annual package and additional funding, Israel continues to benefit from a substantial amount of US military aid totalling in the billions. Meanwhile, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told lawmakers the White House does not aim to place conditions on this support.
By contrast, US Vice President Kamala Harris announced in Dubai on December 2 that the US will pledge $3bn to the Green Climate Fund, which already has more than $20bn in pledges and is the largest international fund dedicated to supporting climate action in developing countries. The latest pledge would be additional to another $2bn previously delivered by the US.
Meanwhile, demilitarisation can mitigate armed conflicts triggered by resource scarcity exacerbated by climate change. As climate impacts intensify, environmental stress and scarcity fuel civil unrest and forced migration. According to studies conducted by the Global Centre for Climate Mobility, it is projected that within the Horn of Africa, potentially up to 10 per cent of the population will undergo migration due to climate-related factors in the next decades, as one example of many instances, involving tens of millions of people.
Oversized military budgets divert funds from the communities most affected by these challenges. In contrast, diplomatic and non-violent approaches to adapting to climate change can more effectively alleviate these tensions than military intervention. Climate change, a complex threat, cannot be effectively addressed through militaristic means. Its multifaceted security implications call for holistic, preventive solutions focused on human development and ecological resilience. True climate response demands a shift towards demilitarisation.
Cop28 coincides with a resurgence in international calls for disarmament and arms control. Scaling back arms production and military forces worldwide would substantially reduce emissions. Moreover, encouraging democratic oversight and public participation in defence policymaking can ensure that climate priorities are integrated into these strategies.
Speaking from Japan in August 2023, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres underscored a global call for nuclear disarmament at the 77th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.
“Nuclear weapons are nonsense. Three-quarters of a century later, we must ask what we’ve learned from the mushroom cloud that swelled above this city in 1945,” Mr Guterres said, warning that a new arms race is growing, and that world leaders are adding hundreds of billions of dollars to store about 13,000 nuclear weapons.
He added: “Nuclear crises are rapidly spreading, from the Middle East to the Korean Peninsula and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Humanity is toying with a loaded gun.”
The UN and its member states need to wake up to the stark truth: their heavily militarised institutions are a ticking time bomb for climate progress and justice.
As the Cop process in years past has danced to the tune of the world’s most powerful militaries, their colossal carbon footprints are scandalously swept under the rug. But the climate crisis has no patience – an unfolding disaster demanding immediate, radical action is happening all over the planet. The militaries’ carbon emissions present a direct threat to our planet’s future.
Cop28 is a do-or-die moment for nations to rise to the occasion and fiercely commit to slashing these destructive emissions. This moment demands more than lip service to environmental preservation. We need uncompromising, bold action.
Tonight's Chat on The National
Tonight's Chat is a series of online conversations on The National. The series features a diverse range of celebrities, politicians and business leaders from around the Arab world.
Tonight’s Chat host Ricardo Karam is a renowned author and broadcaster with a decades-long career in TV. He has previously interviewed Bill Gates, Carlos Ghosn, Andre Agassi and the late Zaha Hadid, among others. Karam is also the founder of Takreem.
Intellectually curious and thought-provoking, Tonight’s Chat moves the conversation forward.
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The flights: South African Airways flies from Dubai International Airport with a stop in Johannesburg, with prices starting from around Dh4,000 return. Emirates can get you there with a stop in Lusaka from around Dh4,600 return.
The details: Visas are available for 247 Zambian kwacha or US$20 (Dh73) per person on arrival at Livingstone Airport. Single entry into Victoria Falls for international visitors costs 371 kwacha or $30 (Dh110). Microlight flights are available through Batoka Sky, with 15-minute flights costing 2,265 kwacha (Dh680).
Accommodation: The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel by Anantara is an ideal place to stay, within walking distance of the falls and right on the Zambezi River. Rooms here start from 6,635 kwacha (Dh2,398) per night, including breakfast, taxes and Wi-Fi. Water arrivals cost from 587 kwacha (Dh212) per person.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Sarfira
Director: Sudha Kongara Prasad
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Radhika Madan, Paresh Rawal
Rating: 2/5
How to join and use Abu Dhabi’s public libraries
• There are six libraries in Abu Dhabi emirate run by the Department of Culture and Tourism, including one in Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
• Libraries are free to visit and visitors can consult books, use online resources and study there. Most are open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays, closed on Fridays and have variable hours on Saturdays, except for Qasr Al Watan which is open from 10am to 8pm every day.
• In order to borrow books, visitors must join the service by providing a passport photograph, Emirates ID and a refundable deposit of Dh400. Members can borrow five books for three weeks, all of which are renewable up to two times online.
• If users do not wish to pay the fee, they can still use the library’s electronic resources for free by simply registering on the website. Once registered, a username and password is provided, allowing remote access.
• For more information visit the library network's website.
Overall head-to-head
Federer 6-1 Cilic
Head-to-head at Wimbledon
Federer 1-0 Cilic
Grand Slams titles
Federer 18-1 Cilic
Best Wimbledon performance
Federer: Winner (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012)
Cilic: Final (2017*)
FROM%20THE%20ASHES
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MATCH INFO
CAF Champions League semi-finals first-leg fixtures
Tuesday:
Primeiro Agosto (ANG) v Esperance (TUN) (8pm UAE)
Al Ahly (EGY) v Entente Setif (ALG) (11PM)
Second legs:
October 23
More from Neighbourhood Watch
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
Mobile phone packages comparison
Results
5pm: UAE Martyrs Cup (TB) Conditions Dh90,000 2,200m
Winner: Mudaarab, Jim Crowley (jockey), Erwan Charpy (trainer).
5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Handicap Dh70,000 1,400m
Winner: Jawal Al Reef, Richard Mullen, Hassan Al Hammadi.
6pm: UAE Matyrs Trophy (PA) Maiden Dh80,000 1,600m
Winner: Salima Al Reef, Jesus Rosales, Abdallah Al Hammadi.
6.30pm: Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (IFAHR) Apprentice Championship (PA) Prestige Dh100,000 1,600m
Winner: Bainoona, Ricardo Iacopini, Eric Lemartinel.
7pm: Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (IFAHR) Ladies World Championship (PA) Prestige Dh125,000 1,600m
Winner: Assyad, Victoria Larsen, Eric Lemartinel.
8pm: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown (PA) Group 1 Dh5,000,000 1,600m
Winner: Mashhur Al Khalediah, Jean-Bernard Eyquem, Phillip Collington.
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Revibe%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202022%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hamza%20Iraqui%20and%20Abdessamad%20Ben%20Zakour%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20UAE%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Refurbished%20electronics%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunds%20raised%20so%20far%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%2410m%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFlat6Labs%2C%20Resonance%20and%20various%20others%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
How to turn your property into a holiday home
- Ensure decoration and styling – and portal photography – quality is high to achieve maximum rates.
- Research equivalent Airbnb homes in your location to ensure competitiveness.
- Post on all relevant platforms to reach the widest audience; whether you let personally or via an agency know your potential guest profile – aiming for the wrong demographic may leave your property empty.
- Factor in costs when working out if holiday letting is beneficial. The annual DCTM fee runs from Dh370 for a one-bedroom flat to Dh1,200. Tourism tax is Dh10-15 per bedroom, per night.
- Check your management company has a physical office, a valid DTCM licence and is licencing your property and paying tourism taxes. For transparency, regularly view your booking calendar.
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Pakistanis%20at%20the%20ILT20%20
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The 12 Syrian entities delisted by UK
Ministry of Interior
Ministry of Defence
General Intelligence Directorate
Air Force Intelligence Agency
Political Security Directorate
Syrian National Security Bureau
Military Intelligence Directorate
Army Supply Bureau
General Organisation of Radio and TV
Al Watan newspaper
Cham Press TV
Sama TV
Sweet%20Tooth
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Saturday's schedule at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
GP3 race, 12:30pm
Formula 1 final practice, 2pm
Formula 1 qualifying, 5pm
Formula 2 race, 6:40pm
Performance: Sam Smith
ENGLAND SQUAD
Joe Root (c), Moeen Ali, Jimmy Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Alastair Cook, Sam Curran, Keaton Jennings, Ollie Pope, Adil Rashid, Ben Stokes, James Vince, Chris Woakes
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
In numbers
Number of Chinese tourists coming to UAE in 2017 was... 1.3m
Alibaba’s new ‘Tech Town’ in Dubai is worth... $600m
China’s investment in the MIddle East in 2016 was... $29.5bn
The world’s most valuable start-up in 2018, TikTok, is valued at... $75bn
Boost to the UAE economy of 5G connectivity will be... $269bn
Expert advice
“Join in with a group like Cycle Safe Dubai or TrainYAS, where you’ll meet like-minded people and always have support on hand.”
Stewart Howison, co-founder of Cycle Safe Dubai and owner of Revolution Cycles
“When you sweat a lot, you lose a lot of salt and other electrolytes from your body. If your electrolytes drop enough, you will be at risk of cramping. To prevent salt deficiency, simply add an electrolyte mix to your water.”
Cornelia Gloor, head of RAK Hospital’s Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Centre
“Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can ride as fast or as far during the summer as you do in cooler weather. The heat will make you expend more energy to maintain a speed that might normally be comfortable, so pace yourself when riding during the hotter parts of the day.”
Chandrashekar Nandi, physiotherapist at Burjeel Hospital in Dubai
SQUADS
Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed (capt), Azhar Ali, Shan Masood, Sami Aslam, Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Usman Salahuddin, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Asghar, Bilal Asif, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas, Wahab Riaz
Sri Lanka: Dinesh Chandimal (capt), Lahiru Thirimanne (vice-capt), Dimuth Karunaratne, Kaushal Silva, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Roshen Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Rangana Herath, Lakshan Sandakan, Dilruwan Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Gamage
Umpires: Ian Gould (ENG) and Nigel Llong (ENG)
TV umpire: Richard Kettleborough (ENG)
ICC match referee: Andy Pycroft (ZIM)
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
CHATGPT%20ENTERPRISE%20FEATURES
%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Enterprise-grade%20security%20and%20privacy%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Unlimited%20higher-speed%20GPT-4%20access%20with%20no%20caps%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Longer%20context%20windows%20for%20processing%20longer%20inputs%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Advanced%20data%20analysis%20capabilities%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Customisation%20options%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Shareable%20chat%20templates%20that%20companies%20can%20use%20to%20collaborate%20and%20build%20common%20workflows%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Analytics%20dashboard%20for%20usage%20insights%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Free%20credits%20to%20use%20OpenAI%20APIs%20to%20extend%20OpenAI%20into%20a%20fully-custom%20solution%20for%20enterprises%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Hotel Silence
Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir
Pushkin Press
OPINIONS ON PALESTINE & ISRAEL
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
Reputation
Taylor Swift
(Big Machine Records)
THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Constant Variable (CVT)
Power: 141bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: Dh64,500
On sale: Now
