US military is a bigger polluter than as many as 140 countries (theconversation.com)

Article summary

The US military is a significant polluter, with its fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions comparable to those of medium-sized countries. The military's carbon footprint is often overlooked in climate change studies due to difficulties in obtaining consistent data from the Pentagon. A new study calculated the military's emissions based on data from the US Defense Logistics Agency, finding that it emitted over 25,000 kilotonnes of carbon dioxide in 2017. The study suggests that reducing the military's carbon footprint is essential for addressing climate change.

Main themes

• US military pollution
• climate change
• military emissions
• global security
• US foreign policy

What commenters say

• The US military's large carbon footprint is a significant contributor to climate change and needs to be addressed.
• The US military's interventionist foreign policy is a major cause of global instability and should be reevaluated.
• Reducing the US military's size and budget could help mitigate climate change by decreasing its energy consumption and emissions.
• The US military's presence in many countries is necessary for maintaining global security and stability, and its environmental impact is a secondary concern.
• The US has a history of interfering in other countries' affairs, which has led to instability and conflict, and this pattern should be broken.
• The US military-industrial complex has a significant influence on US foreign policy and should be reformed to prioritize peace and sustainability over profit and power.
• Some argue that the US military's intervention in certain countries has prevented worse outcomes, such as the rise of extremist groups, and that its presence is still necessary in some regions.
• Others counter that the US military's actions have often caused more harm than good, and that its withdrawal from certain regions could lead to more stability and peace.