Military conflicts and rising global defense spending are producing massive greenhouse gas emissions that directly threaten the 1.5°C climate target. The Russia-Ukraine war alone has generated an estimated 311 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, roughly equal to France's annual emissions. The Israel-Gaza conflict added 32.2 million tonnes in 15 months. Yet militaries remain largely exempt from mandatory reporting under climate agreements, creating a significant gap in global carbon accounting. Global military spending hit a record $2.63 trillion in 2025, with the top five nations accounting for over 60% of that total. Research shows that for every 1% increase in the GDP share of military spending, total emissions rise by 0.9% to 2%, while green patenting drops by 10% to 25%. The UN has urged a shift from arms races toward human-centered security, emphasizing that current spending diverts resources from climate mitigation and sustainable development.
