Creation Covenant Alliance

UN Summit Highlights Military Pollution Worldwide

Lennard de Klerk calculated war emissions to raise awareness of military carbon impact. His team focuses on climate...
A Ukrainian tank fires at pro-Russian forces in the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine. Russia and pro-separatist forces have controlled the region since 2014, eight years before Russia launched a full-scale invasion of its neighbor. Credit: Courtesy of Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

In the winter of 2022, Lennard de Klerk, a Dutch engineer, was managing a carbon-neutral ecolodge in a small Hungarian town when Russia invaded Ukraine. As refugees streamed into Hungary, de Klerk, who had lived in Ukraine and spoke the language, was moved to action.

He sought to calculate the emissions caused by the Ukraine war, believing it could raise awareness about its global impact on climate. De Klerk assembled a team of former colleagues to measure emissions from bombings, fuel use by tanks, and the vehicles of fleeing Ukrainians.

For two years, the team conducted the first real-time study of wartime emissions. Signs indicate the focus on military emissions is intensifying.

Next month, de Klerk will head a panel at the United Nations’ climate summit in Baku. The session will tackle the long-debated question: should militaries disclose their greenhouse gas emissions?

A coalition of climate scientists and researchers argues for mandatory military emissions reporting in international climate agreements. Their studies highlight militaries as major greenhouse gas contributors.

At the forefront of this effort, Benjamin Neimark from Queen Mary University of London emphasizes the importance of understanding military emissions. “We cannot cut what we don’t know,” he stated, citing a study on emissions from the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Despite efforts, militaries often cite national security concerns to limit emissions disclosures. The Kyoto Protocol exempted militaries from reporting, and the Paris Agreement only encouraged voluntary reporting, leading to inconsistent practices.

De Klerk’s research found the Ukraine conflict emitted over 175 million metric tons of CO2, comparable to the annual emissions of 90 million gasoline cars. These figures include emissions from future reconstruction efforts.

In a related study by Neimark’s team, the initial phase of the Gaza conflict was estimated to produce emissions equivalent to 61 million metric tons of CO2.

The U.S. and European military leaders acknowledge climate change’s impact on operations but argue that full transparency might compromise security. The Pentagon’s 2023 report highlighted 51 million metric tons of CO2 emissions in 2021, half from jet fuel.

However, the report excluded Scope 3 emissions from contractors, estimating that militaries could contribute 5.5% of global emissions annually. Environmental groups like the Conflict and Environment Observatory criticize this omission.

U.S. policy shifts under President Biden have aimed at reducing emissions, with the Defense Department setting a net-zero target by 2050. Innovations include electric vehicles and aerodynamic aircraft designs.

The Pentagon’s climate initiatives include microgrids and research into electric combat vehicles. Military leaders view climate change as a security threat that transcends borders, a sentiment echoed by Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks.

Despite political challenges, some experts argue that military emissions reporting is vital. Neta C. Crawford from the University of Oxford suggests that including Scope 3 data could reveal U.S. military emissions as 2-3% of national totals.

The debate continues, with environmentalists pushing for comprehensive disclosures. Meanwhile, military strategists recognize the operational benefits of greener technologies.

Original Story at insideclimatenews.org

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Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.

November 19, 2024



Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.



November 19, 2024