Operation Earth: Integrating Eco-Friendly Practices into the Military
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Aug 21, 2024
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About This Presentation
If the world's militaries were a country, they would rank as the fourth-largest global emitter of carbon dioxide. This presentation makes the case for greening the military; identifies opportunities in the areas of climate change mitigation but also resource management and conservation and envir...
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OPERATION EARTH: INTEGRATING
ECO-FRIENDLY PRACTICES INTO THE
MILITARY
Olivier Serrat | 2024
ECO-FRIENDLY PRACTICES INTO THE
MILITARY
Olivier Serrat | 2024
CONTENTS
•A Force for Environmental Peace
•Operation Earth: Climate Change Mitigation
•Operation Earth: Resource Management & Conservation
•Operation Earth: Environmental Diplomacy
•Transforming Military Might
•References
•A Force for Environmental Peace
•Operation Earth: Climate Change Mitigation
•Operation Earth: Resource Management & Conservation
•Operation Earth: Environmental Diplomacy
•Transforming Military Might
•References
A FORCE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PEACE (1)
•The primary mission of the military is to safeguard a nation and its citizens from external armed
threats. (In some countries, the military also fosters national unity.) However, it is important to
recognize that militarism and warfare do not make for environmental peace.
•Weir (2020) documented how the military impacts the environment before, during, and after
conflict: the end results include biodiversity loss, deforestation, desertification, landscape
devastation, resource depletion, soil contamination, toxic chemical leakage, water pollution,
radioactive emissions, and harm to wildlife.
•Given the pressing issues of climate change and resource scarcity, integrating environmental
conservation into military strategies and practices should be a top priority (Serrat, 2024a,
2024b). However, some contend that the military "does not have great tools for building things,
for creating things, for bringing hope and dignity" (Matthew, 2010, p. 41). Should help be
required, Matthew (2010) continued, "we will send the military over […] because we have no
one else to send" (p. 48).
•The primary mission of the military is to safeguard a nation and its citizens from external armed
threats. (In some countries, the military also fosters national unity.) However, it is important to
recognize that militarism and warfare do not make for environmental peace.
•Weir (2020) documented how the military impacts the environment before, during, and after
conflict: the end results include biodiversity loss, deforestation, desertification, landscape
devastation, resource depletion, soil contamination, toxic chemical leakage, water pollution,
radioactive emissions, and harm to wildlife.
•Given the pressing issues of climate change and resource scarcity, integrating environmental
conservation into military strategies and practices should be a top priority (Serrat, 2024a,
2024b). However, some contend that the military "does not have great tools for building things,
for creating things, for bringing hope and dignity" (Matthew, 2010, p. 41). Should help be
required, Matthew (2010) continued, "we will send the military over […] because we have no
one else to send" (p. 48).
A FORCE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PEACE (2)
•Does the preceding suggest that the military’s primary objective is solely achieved through
warfare or, at best, by preventing it? The answer is a resounding "No.“
•Dichotomies exist precisely so they might be reconciled (Serrat, 2024c). In the Anthropocene,
where local, national, regional, and global environmental degradation and despoilation drive
many to despair, it stands to reason that we should utilize the military's extensive logistical
capabilities not only for narrow national security concerns but also for environmental
peacebuilding both domestically and internationally. De facto, the military already
undertakes additional missions beyond warfare, including peacekeeping, rescue operations,
providing food and humanitarian assistance, offering medical aid in impoverished areas, and
responding to disasters.
•Efforts to optimize the military's utility should be intensified. While the fundamental purpose of
the military grants it access to significant resources, it also consumes them. Consider, for
example, the staggering $850 billion allocated for defense spending in the United States in
2025: that apportionment constitutes approximately 3% of the country's national income,
which at an impressive $25.6 trillion (2020) is the highest globally (Hanlon, 2024). According to
Statista (2024), the largest armies in the world—ranked by active military personnel include
China, India, the United States, Russia, and North Korea, collectively numbering around 7.5
million soldiers. Given these figures, there are ample opportunities both in the United States
and other nations to promote environmental sustainability within the military.
•Does the preceding suggest that the military’s primary objective is solely achieved through
warfare or, at best, by preventing it? The answer is a resounding "No.“
•Dichotomies exist precisely so they might be reconciled (Serrat, 2024c). In the Anthropocene,
where local, national, regional, and global environmental degradation and despoilation drive
many to despair, it stands to reason that we should utilize the military's extensive logistical
capabilities not only for narrow national security concerns but also for environmental
peacebuilding both domestically and internationally. De facto, the military already
undertakes additional missions beyond warfare, including peacekeeping, rescue operations,
providing food and humanitarian assistance, offering medical aid in impoverished areas, and
responding to disasters.
•Efforts to optimize the military's utility should be intensified. While the fundamental purpose of
the military grants it access to significant resources, it also consumes them. Consider, for
example, the staggering $850 billion allocated for defense spending in the United States in
2025: that apportionment constitutes approximately 3% of the country's national income,
which at an impressive $25.6 trillion (2020) is the highest globally (Hanlon, 2024). According to
Statista (2024), the largest armies in the world—ranked by active military personnel include
China, India, the United States, Russia, and North Korea, collectively numbering around 7.5
million soldiers. Given these figures, there are ample opportunities both in the United States
and other nations to promote environmental sustainability within the military.
A FORCE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PEACE (3)
•"We cannot choose between either green
or strong armed forces, we need strong
and green at the same time"—Jens
Stoltenberg*
•The critical question is: "How can the
military integrate environmental protection
into its operations and policies?"
* Remark by NATO Secretary General at the high-level
roundtable on Climate, Peace, and Stability: Weathering
Risk Through COP and Beyond in Glasgow, United Kingdom,
November 2, 2021 (cited in European Union, 2024).
•"We cannot choose between either green
or strong armed forces, we need strong
and green at the same time"—Jens
Stoltenberg*
•The critical question is: "How can the
military integrate environmental protection
into its operations and policies?"
* Remark by NATO Secretary General at the high-level
roundtable on Climate, Peace, and Stability: Weathering
Risk Through COP and Beyond in Glasgow, United Kingdom,
November 2, 2021 (cited in European Union, 2024).
OPERATION EARTH: CLIMATE CHANGE
MITIGATION
•Determining the carbon "boot print" of the armed forces presents challenges, but estimates
indicate that the military could account for up to 5.5% of global carbon dioxide (CO
2)
emissions (European Union, 2024). If combined, the world's militaries would rank as the fourth-
largest emitter globally (European Union, 2024).
•Not counting—if it were possible—the broader issue of the direct impact of warfare on CO
2
emissions the military has significant potential to contribute to climate change mitigation by,
say:
•Decarbonizing military installations (for instance by improving the efficiency of defense
estate and bases, transitioning to renewable heating, leveraging renewable power sources,
and exploring carbon capture technology)*
•Transitioning towards greener practices in training (for instance by increasing the proportion
of virtual training activities, optimizing training logistics, promoting sustainable materials and
equipment, and educating military personnel about environmental impact)
•Reducing reliance on fossil fuel-powered (and vulnerable) convoys in operations (for
instance by exploring alternative transportation modes and improving route planning
* In Texas, at Fort Cavazos in the United States, a hybrid renewable energy project has been put into action: the initiative
combines solar panels and wind turbines to supply approximately 40% of the base's energy requirements, significantly reduce
CO
2emissions, and promote energy independence. Meanwhile, the British Army is actively testing hybrid and electric
vehicles, including the Electric Light Reconnaissance Vehicle: these vehicles not only reduce reliance on fossil fuels but also
operate more quietly, providing a tactical advantage.
MITIGATION
•Determining the carbon "boot print" of the armed forces presents challenges, but estimates
indicate that the military could account for up to 5.5% of global carbon dioxide (CO
2)
emissions (European Union, 2024). If combined, the world's militaries would rank as the fourth-
largest emitter globally (European Union, 2024).
•Not counting—if it were possible—the broader issue of the direct impact of warfare on CO
2
emissions the military has significant potential to contribute to climate change mitigation by,
say:
•Decarbonizing military installations (for instance by improving the efficiency of defense
estate and bases, transitioning to renewable heating, leveraging renewable power sources,
and exploring carbon capture technology)*
•Transitioning towards greener practices in training (for instance by increasing the proportion
of virtual training activities, optimizing training logistics, promoting sustainable materials and
equipment, and educating military personnel about environmental impact)
•Reducing reliance on fossil fuel-powered (and vulnerable) convoys in operations (for
instance by exploring alternative transportation modes and improving route planning
* In Texas, at Fort Cavazos in the United States, a hybrid renewable energy project has been put into action: the initiative
combines solar panels and wind turbines to supply approximately 40% of the base's energy requirements, significantly reduce
CO
2emissions, and promote energy independence. Meanwhile, the British Army is actively testing hybrid and electric
vehicles, including the Electric Light Reconnaissance Vehicle: these vehicles not only reduce reliance on fossil fuels but also
operate more quietly, providing a tactical advantage.
OPERATION EARTH: RESOURCE MANAGEMENT &
CONSERVATION
•The military can have a pivotal role in natural resource management and conservation. By
incorporating environmental factors into its land use planning, training exercises, and base
operations, the military can actively contribute to sustainable resource management and
peacebuilding efforts.
•Specifically, the military can safeguard biodiversity, oversee forest management, and protect
critical ecosystems by, say:
•Leveraging military readiness for conservation (for instance by investing in habitat
protection and management, and collaborating with other agencies to conserve imperiled
species)*
•Galvanizing and sharing strategic research and environmental security technology, and
increasing collaboration with conservation groups
•Balancing future requirements with environmental stewardship to maintain land under
military management in ways that benefit ecosystems, water resources, and wildlife (e.g.,
wildlife corridors)
* As part of the Green Belt Movement in Kenya, an Environmental Soldier Program was implemented in collaboration with the
Kenya Defense Forces: soldiers stationed in military cantonments worked alongside environmental conservation partners to
plant trees. Similarly, the Indian Army has created "ecological battalions" with a primary focus on forest restoration to mitigate
natural disasters. In Xinjiang, China, army personnel have actively promoted environmental conservation and sustainable
development: efforts include restoring marginal farmland to forests and grasslands, as well as converting desert areas into
arable land.
CONSERVATION
•The military can have a pivotal role in natural resource management and conservation. By
incorporating environmental factors into its land use planning, training exercises, and base
operations, the military can actively contribute to sustainable resource management and
peacebuilding efforts.
•Specifically, the military can safeguard biodiversity, oversee forest management, and protect
critical ecosystems by, say:
•Leveraging military readiness for conservation (for instance by investing in habitat
protection and management, and collaborating with other agencies to conserve imperiled
species)*
•Galvanizing and sharing strategic research and environmental security technology, and
increasing collaboration with conservation groups
•Balancing future requirements with environmental stewardship to maintain land under
military management in ways that benefit ecosystems, water resources, and wildlife (e.g.,
wildlife corridors)
* As part of the Green Belt Movement in Kenya, an Environmental Soldier Program was implemented in collaboration with the
Kenya Defense Forces: soldiers stationed in military cantonments worked alongside environmental conservation partners to
plant trees. Similarly, the Indian Army has created "ecological battalions" with a primary focus on forest restoration to mitigate
natural disasters. In Xinjiang, China, army personnel have actively promoted environmental conservation and sustainable
development: efforts include restoring marginal farmland to forests and grasslands, as well as converting desert areas into
arable land.
OPERATION EARTH: ENVIRONMENTAL
DIPLOMACY
•In the Anthropocene, where human activities have nefarious effects on the planet and the
implications of climate change continue to escalate, the military must actively participate in
environmental diplomacy. This effort should be coordinated through "whole-of-government"
and "whole-of-society" approaches (Serrat, 2024d, 2024e).
•Specifically, the military can emphasize cooperation, resilience, and global well-being by, say:
•Extending humanitarian assistance and disaster relief during environmental crises (for
instance by providing aid, logistics, and medical support)
•Including environmental components in multinational exercises (e.g., disaster simulations,
joint conservation efforts)*
•Communicating environmental initiatives (for instance by sharing success stories of
sustainable practices and raising awareness among partners)
•Engaging in discussions concerning environmental protection, resource access, and
territorial claims (for instance in the Arctic)
•Tasking contractors with strict environmental guidelines to minimize their impact on fragile
ecosystems in war-torn countries
* After the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, the U.S. military launched Operation Unified Assistance, delivering humanitarian
assistance and disaster relief to stricken areas. Additionally, the biennial Rim of the Pacific Exercise, overseen by the U.S.
military, features disaster response simulations and environmental awareness initiatives: these exercises encompass scenarios
like oil spill responses and collaborative conservation efforts, fostering international cooperation on environmental matters.
DIPLOMACY
•In the Anthropocene, where human activities have nefarious effects on the planet and the
implications of climate change continue to escalate, the military must actively participate in
environmental diplomacy. This effort should be coordinated through "whole-of-government"
and "whole-of-society" approaches (Serrat, 2024d, 2024e).
•Specifically, the military can emphasize cooperation, resilience, and global well-being by, say:
•Extending humanitarian assistance and disaster relief during environmental crises (for
instance by providing aid, logistics, and medical support)
•Including environmental components in multinational exercises (e.g., disaster simulations,
joint conservation efforts)*
•Communicating environmental initiatives (for instance by sharing success stories of
sustainable practices and raising awareness among partners)
•Engaging in discussions concerning environmental protection, resource access, and
territorial claims (for instance in the Arctic)
•Tasking contractors with strict environmental guidelines to minimize their impact on fragile
ecosystems in war-torn countries
* After the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, the U.S. military launched Operation Unified Assistance, delivering humanitarian
assistance and disaster relief to stricken areas. Additionally, the biennial Rim of the Pacific Exercise, overseen by the U.S.
military, features disaster response simulations and environmental awareness initiatives: these exercises encompass scenarios
like oil spill responses and collaborative conservation efforts, fostering international cooperation on environmental matters.
TRANSFORMING MILITARY MIGHT: LEVERAGING
DEFENSE RESOURCES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL
SUSTAINABILITY
•The objectives, strategies, and operations of the military, which ranks among the world's
largest polluters, are often intertwined with the upholding of extractive economies.
Furthermore, substantial defense budgets divert funds that could otherwise be used to address
the urgent climate crisis and the environmental degradation and despoliation our planet
faces. Nevertheless, "It doesn't matter if a cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice,"
Chinese Communist Party chairman Deng Xiaoping (1904–1997) allegedly remarked.
•If we are to tackle climate change and combat environmental degradation and despoilation,
we must recognize the potential role of the military in environmental peacebuilding. Key
attributes of the military, relevant to the challenges we face, include its capacity to foster
shared understanding, provide clear intent, build cohesive teams, exercise disciplined
initiative, operate under mission orders, and accept prudent risk. In the context of
environmental peacebuilding, it has become evident that we should leverage the military's
abundant financial, environmental, human, infrastructure, and social capital.
•By deliberately integrating eco-friendly practices into the military, we have the potential to
transform a major source of human–environment conflict into a formidable ally for
environmental well-being. The future of our planet depends on leveraging the military's
capabilities to protect and restore the environment, ensuring security not only against conflicts
but also against the anthropogenic threats our civilization has imposed upon itself.
DEFENSE RESOURCES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL
SUSTAINABILITY
•The objectives, strategies, and operations of the military, which ranks among the world's
largest polluters, are often intertwined with the upholding of extractive economies.
Furthermore, substantial defense budgets divert funds that could otherwise be used to address
the urgent climate crisis and the environmental degradation and despoliation our planet
faces. Nevertheless, "It doesn't matter if a cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice,"
Chinese Communist Party chairman Deng Xiaoping (1904–1997) allegedly remarked.
•If we are to tackle climate change and combat environmental degradation and despoilation,
we must recognize the potential role of the military in environmental peacebuilding. Key
attributes of the military, relevant to the challenges we face, include its capacity to foster
shared understanding, provide clear intent, build cohesive teams, exercise disciplined
initiative, operate under mission orders, and accept prudent risk. In the context of
environmental peacebuilding, it has become evident that we should leverage the military's
abundant financial, environmental, human, infrastructure, and social capital.
•By deliberately integrating eco-friendly practices into the military, we have the potential to
transform a major source of human–environment conflict into a formidable ally for
environmental well-being. The future of our planet depends on leveraging the military's
capabilities to protect and restore the environment, ensuring security not only against conflicts
but also against the anthropogenic threats our civilization has imposed upon itself.
REFERENCES (1)
•European Union. (2024). Greening the armies: Is a sustainable approach to national defense
possible?Analysis and Research Team.
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/69640/art_greening_-armies_web.pdf
•Hanlon, M. (2024, May 14). U.S. defense spending in historical and international context.
Econofact. https://econofact.org/u-s-defense-spending-in-historical-and-international-context
•Matthew, R. (2010). Climate change and peace. In Voices for a Culture of Peace, 34–53,
Compendium of the SGI-USA Culture of Peace Distinguished Speaker Series. Culture of Peace
Press.
•Serrat, O. (2024a). Operation earth: Integrating eco-friendly practices into the military.
Unpublished manuscript, Georgetown University.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/382250401_Operation_Earth_Integrating_Eco-
Friendly_Practices_into_the_Military
•Serrat, O. (2024b). ICYMI: Climate security rhymes with national security. Unpublished
manuscript, Georgetown University.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378545941_ICYMI_Climate_Security_Rhymes_with_
National_Security
•European Union. (2024). Greening the armies: Is a sustainable approach to national defense
possible?Analysis and Research Team.
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/69640/art_greening_-armies_web.pdf
•Hanlon, M. (2024, May 14). U.S. defense spending in historical and international context.
Econofact. https://econofact.org/u-s-defense-spending-in-historical-and-international-context
•Matthew, R. (2010). Climate change and peace. In Voices for a Culture of Peace, 34–53,
Compendium of the SGI-USA Culture of Peace Distinguished Speaker Series. Culture of Peace
Press.
•Serrat, O. (2024a). Operation earth: Integrating eco-friendly practices into the military.
Unpublished manuscript, Georgetown University.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/382250401_Operation_Earth_Integrating_Eco-
Friendly_Practices_into_the_Military
•Serrat, O. (2024b). ICYMI: Climate security rhymes with national security. Unpublished
manuscript, Georgetown University.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378545941_ICYMI_Climate_Security_Rhymes_with_
National_Security
REFERENCES (2)
•Serrat, O. (2024c). Neo-Malthusian and cornucopian perspectives: Must it be either/or?
Unpublished manuscript, Georgetown University.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/381768461_Neo-
Malthusian_and_Cornucopian_Perspectives_Must_It_Be_EitherOr
•Serrat, O. (2024d). Beggar thy neighbor to beggar thyself: Why China and the United States
must cooperate to address climate change. Unpublished manuscript, Georgetown University.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380212272_Beggar_Thy_Neighbor_to_Beggar_Thys
elf_Why_China_and_the_United_States_Must_Cooperate_to_Address_Climate_Change
•Serrat, O. (2024e). Redefining norms: A modern-day Marshall plan for climate adaptation and
climate justice. Unpublished manuscript, Georgetown University.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380530326_Redefining_Norms_A_Modern -
Day_Marshall_Plan_for_Climate_Adaptation_and_Climate_Justice
•Statista. (2024). Largest armies in the world ranked by active military personnel as of January
2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/264443/the-worlds-largest-armies-based-on-active-
force-level/
•Weir, D. (2020, June 4). How does war damage the environment? Conflict and Environment
Observatory. https://ceobs.org/how-does-war-damage-the-environment/
•Serrat, O. (2024c). Neo-Malthusian and cornucopian perspectives: Must it be either/or?
Unpublished manuscript, Georgetown University.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/381768461_Neo-
Malthusian_and_Cornucopian_Perspectives_Must_It_Be_EitherOr
•Serrat, O. (2024d). Beggar thy neighbor to beggar thyself: Why China and the United States
must cooperate to address climate change. Unpublished manuscript, Georgetown University.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380212272_Beggar_Thy_Neighbor_to_Beggar_Thys
elf_Why_China_and_the_United_States_Must_Cooperate_to_Address_Climate_Change
•Serrat, O. (2024e). Redefining norms: A modern-day Marshall plan for climate adaptation and
climate justice. Unpublished manuscript, Georgetown University.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380530326_Redefining_Norms_A_Modern -
Day_Marshall_Plan_for_Climate_Adaptation_and_Climate_Justice
•Statista. (2024). Largest armies in the world ranked by active military personnel as of January
2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/264443/the-worlds-largest-armies-based-on-active-
force-level/
•Weir, D. (2020, June 4). How does war damage the environment? Conflict and Environment
Observatory. https://ceobs.org/how-does-war-damage-the-environment/
QUICK RESPONSE CODES
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