The Urgent Need to Stop Militarism for Climate Justice

The UNFCCC has failed to address militarism as a driver of the climate crisis. Wars, weapons production, stockpiling, and military expansion are driving emissions, deepening environmental racism, and undermining climate justice.

Militaries are major greenhouse gas (GHG) emitters, yet states can still exclude or obscure military emissions, creating a major accountability gap. Governments must commit to transparent reporting and include verifiable military emissions-reduction targets in updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Ever-rising military spending means higher emissions and less finance for climate action. While climate finance commitments remain unmet, Annex II states continue to expand their military budgets. They must redirect resources toward mitigation, adaptation, and addressing loss and damage in ways that support community-led solutions and finance a just transition. Money for weapons must be diverted to realize climate justice.