Trump’s Defense Plan May CRIPPLE Climate Efforts!

A new study warns that President Trump’s proposed $1 trillion Pentagon budget would dramatically ramp up military carbon emissions—escalating environmental and economic consequences.

At a Glance

• The Pentagon’s emissions would rise by 26 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent, a 17% increase—on par with 68 gas-fired power plants or Croatia’s annual output.
• Total projected emissions would reach 178 million metric tons CO₂e, making the military the 38th-largest emitter if counted as a nation.
• The additional carbon is estimated to cause $47 billion in global climate damages.
• Environmental programs like climate research and humanitarian aid would face steep budget cuts under the proposed defense surge.
• The Pentagon is already the world’s largest institutional greenhouse gas emitter, outpacing entire industrial sectors like aviation and shipping.

Emissions Explosion & Budget Trade-offs

The Climate & Community Institute’s analysis reveals that Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” would deepen the Pentagon’s climate impact. Military fuel consumption and operations already make the Department of Defense a top global emitter, and with emissions projected to hit 178 million metric tons CO₂e, the military would surpass the annual output of 138 countries.

These climate costs come with social trade-offs. Public needs such as disaster response, weather forecasting, climate science, and education face severe cuts to accommodate the Pentagon’s swelling budget. Critics argue this budget direction dangerously misaligns national priorities, compromising both environmental security and economic stability.

Watch a report: The Pentagon, Climate Change, and War

A Closed Door on Emissions Transparency

Despite the Pentagon’s immense carbon footprint, its emissions remain largely exempt from international reporting and climate agreements. Under Trump’s leadership, both emissions and opacity are expected to increase, further distancing military activities from global climate accountability.

Historical patterns show Pentagon emissions surge during wartime and heavy deployments. Any marginal gains from green military initiatives risk being overshadowed by the broader emissions spike that accompanies expanded defense budgets.

Strategic Stakes: Security vs Sustainability

Proponents of the budget expansion argue that military strength is paramount for national security. But environmental analysts warn that unchecked military emissions threaten long-term global security by exacerbating climate instability—fueling the very crises the Pentagon is charged with mitigating.

As Congress deliberates the defense budget, a fundamental question emerges: can the U.S. balance military dominance with planetary stewardship, or will the pursuit of power push climate goals beyond reach?