Kelly Earley: As global militaries wage war and kill people, they are also killing the planet

The recent heatwave sweeping across Europe has acted as a stark reminder of the escalating climate crisis, with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius in parts of France. The French public health agency reported at least 1,000 excess deaths linked to the extreme heat, a number expected to rise as the effects of the heatwave continue to unfold. Across Europe, including Ireland, the sweltering conditions led to widespread disruptions, with thousands of schools closing, sports events being canceled, and agricultural activities shifting to nighttime hours to avoid the worst of the heat. In France, nuclear reactors were forced to shut down due to insufficient cooling water, highlighting the far-reaching impacts of rising temperatures on critical infrastructure.

The heatwave has underscored the urgent need for action against the climate crisis, with scientists emphasizing that such extreme weather events would not have been possible without the long-term buildup of greenhouse gas emissions. This realization brings into focus the role of human activity in exacerbating global warming, particularly the contribution of military operations. Recent research from Sweden's Uppsala University indicates that the current level of state-to-state conflicts is the highest since World War II, raising concerns about the environmental toll of warfare. Militaries account for approximately 5.5% of global emissions, even in peacetime, due to their extensive resource demands.

While discussions around the environment often center on technological advancements such as data centers, which consume 1.5% of the world's electricity and require vast amounts of freshwater, the connection between these developments and the broader issue of conflict remains underexplored. Data centers serve not only as hubs for information storage but also play a crucial role in supporting military technologies, including autonomous weapons systems and surveillance networks. The integration of artificial intelligence in modern warfare has introduced new dimensions to both the human and environmental costs of conflict.

The deployment of AI in military contexts has raised ethical and ecological concerns. For instance, Israeli intelligence sources have indicated that AI algorithms were employed to identify and target specific individuals, leading to the use of "dumb bombs" against civilians. This approach highlights the potential for technology to amplify the scale and intensity of warfare, contributing to increased environmental degradation through the extraction of raw materials needed for weapons manufacturing, transportation of military equipment, and the subsequent destruction caused by bombings and urban rebuilding efforts.

The environmental impact of warfare extends beyond direct combat scenarios. The production of military gear, such as combat boots, contributes significantly to carbon emissions. Industry analyses suggest that each pair of boots produces as much carbon dioxide as charging a smartphone daily for 12 years. Considering that soldiers typically receive two pairs annually, the cumulative effect of such production underscores the substantial carbon footprint associated with maintaining armed forces.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza provides a poignant illustration of the environmental consequences of prolonged warfare. Research indicates that within the first 15 months of the conflict, the carbon emissions generated exceeded those of over 100 individual countries. A significant portion of these emissions stemmed from the United States' provision of 50,000 tonnes of weapons and supplies to Israel, underscoring how international support for military actions can contribute to global environmental challenges.

Amid these pressing concerns, debates surrounding personal responsibility and collective action continue to evolve. Some argue that individual efforts to reduce one's carbon footprint may seem insignificant compared to systemic issues like the expansion of data centers, which consume considerable energy resources. Others emphasize the importance of addressing both personal and institutional contributions to environmental degradation, advocating for comprehensive strategies that encompass policy changes and sustainable practices. As the discourse on climate change continues to develop, it becomes increasingly evident that tackling the intertwined issues of war, technology, and environmental sustainability will require coordinated global efforts and innovative solutions.