Us Army Aircraft: Global Air Pollution Culprit?

The US military is the world's largest institutional consumer of hydrocarbons, with a carbon footprint larger than any other institution on Earth. In 2017, the US military emitted more than 25,000 kilotonnes of carbon dioxide, and if it were a nation-state, it would be the 47th largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world. The US Air Force is responsible for a significant portion of these emissions, with its aircraft consuming vast quantities of jet fuel, which is the biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions for the military. The US military's vast network of overseas bases, aircraft, and warships contribute to its massive carbon footprint, and its environmental impact extends beyond carbon emissions to include nuclear testing, the incineration of toxic waste, and the contamination of land and water.

The US military's carbon footprint

The US military has a vast carbon footprint, with a long track record of causing serious environmental damage. It is the world's largest institutional consumer of hydrocarbons, and its carbon footprint is larger than that of any other institution on Earth. In 2017, the US military purchased 269,230 barrels of oil per day, emitting more than 25,000 kilotonnes of carbon dioxide. This figure does not include the fuel used to power aircraft and ships operating overseas, which is often omitted from government reporting. According to Brown University's Costs of War Project, the US military's pollution has accounted for 1.2 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to the emissions of 257 million passenger cars annually.

The US military's contribution to climate change is significant, and if it were a nation state, it would be the 47th largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world. This is due to its massive fuel consumption, with 80% of fuel being used by weapons systems such as fighter jets, tanks, and ships. The US military's fuel consumption has increased over time, with the average US soldier's fuel consumption during WWII being 3.8 litres, compared to 83.3 litres by the time of the Iraq War in 2003.

The US military's environmental impact extends beyond carbon emissions, with nuclear testing and rampant military expansion affecting air quality, ecosystems, biodiversity, and the health of local populations living around bases. There is also a lack of transparency and accountability regarding the US military's emissions, with the Pentagon not releasing data on its bases and the US government lobbying for exemptions for military activity from the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. Despite this, there have been some efforts to reduce the US military's carbon footprint, such as increasing renewable electric generators on military bases and the Navy Task Force Climate Change initiative, which was quietly shut down.

The US military's vast carbon footprint and environmental impact have been described as an "elephant in the room," with calls for more transparency and scrutiny of its emissions data. With the US military representing at least three-quarters of global military presence, its efforts to reduce emissions and increase transparency will be crucial in the fight against climate change.

US aircraft and warships

The US military has been described as "one of the largest climate polluters in history." If it were a nation state, it would be the world's 47th largest emitter of greenhouse gases. The US military is the world's single largest institutional consumer of hydrocarbons, with a heavy dependence on existing aircraft and warships.

The US Air Force, Navy, Army, and Marines bought nearly US$8 billion worth of fuel in 2017, with the Air Force alone purchasing 269,230 barrels of oil a day. The US military emitted more than 25,000 kilotonnes of carbon dioxide in the same year. The Cost of Wars Project found that US military pollution accounted for 1.2 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to the annual emissions of 257 million passenger cars.

The US military's reporting of fuel consumption does not include much of the fuel used to power aircraft and ships, especially those operating overseas. Jet fuel is the US military's biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions. The F-35, the Department of Defense's replacement for the F-16, burns about 5,600 liters of fuel per hour, compared to 3,500 liters per hour for the F-16.

US military pollution has had a significant impact on the environment and human health. In 2017, the US Naval Air Station Oceana in Norfolk, Virginia, spilled 84,000 gallons of jet fuel into a waterway. In 2019, it was discovered that an Air Force contractor had been dumping industrial solvent Trichloroethylene (TCE) into the ground surrounding Tucson International Airport for 29 years. Over 1,350 residents suffered from cancer and other illnesses due to contaminated drinking water.

While the US military has acknowledged the threat of climate change, it has failed to adequately address its own contributions. However, there are plans to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and the development of clean vehicles and aircraft is underway.

US military's contribution to climate change

The US military is a significant contributor to climate change, with its activities causing a substantial amount of air pollution. In 2019, a report by Durham and Lancaster University found that the US military was "one of the largest climate polluters in history", consuming vast amounts of liquid fuels and emitting more carbon dioxide than many countries. If the US military were a country, it would rank 47th in the world for greenhouse gas emissions. This finding considered only fuel usage emissions, suggesting that the military's total emissions are even higher.

The US military's fuel consumption and emissions are extensive. In 2017, the US Air Force, Navy, Army, and Marines purchased large amounts of fuel, with the Air Force alone buying $4.9 billion worth, and the military as a whole emitting over 25,000 kilotonnes of carbon dioxide. The military's fuel usage has direct consequences for the climate, as jet fuel is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The F-35, the Air Force's replacement for the F-16, burns approximately 5,600 litres of fuel per hour, significantly more than the 3,500 litres burned by the F-16.

The US military's contribution to climate change also extends beyond direct emissions from fuel usage. Military activities, such as aviation, produce large amounts of greenhouse gases during production and operation. A single mission of two B-2B bombers from the US to Libya in 2017 emitted about 1,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide. Aircraft flying at high altitudes can also cause additional atmospheric heating due to the contrails they leave behind, which can form large cirrus clouds. Furthermore, the US military has a history of negligence and disregard for human life, with instances of fuel spills and groundwater contamination that have had detrimental effects on the environment and public health.

Despite the US military's significant impact on climate change, there is a lack of transparency and scrutiny regarding its emissions. The US government's reporting of military fuel consumption often omits fuel used for aircraft and ships operating overseas, leading to significant gaps in the data. The Paris Agreement and the Kyoto Protocol have also exempted militaries from setting emissions targets, making it challenging to address the issue effectively. However, there is growing recognition of the need for change, with organisations like Military Emissions.org highlighting the lack of transparency and pressing for more detailed reporting.

US military's pollution and waste of resources

The US military is the world's largest institutional consumer of hydrocarbons, with a carbon footprint larger than any other institution on Earth. The US military's pollution and waste of resources are significant contributors to climate change. If the US military were a country, it would be among the top 50 emitters, polluting more than Morocco, Peru, and Sweden combined. The US military emitted more than 25,000 kilotonnes of carbon dioxide in 2017 by burning fuels, and purchased 269,230 barrels of oil a day. In addition, the US military creates 750,000 tons of toxic waste annually, including depleted uranium, oil, jet fuels, pesticides, defoliants, lead, and other chemicals.

The US military's vast scale contributes to its environmental impact. With a budget of nearly $877 billion in 2022, the US military accounts for nearly 40% of total global military spending. The Pentagon does not disclose data on its bases, but research suggests that it has over 750 overseas bases in about 80 countries, more than any other empire in history. These bases require fossil fuels for operations and generate waste and pollution. The US military's nuclear testing and disregard for human life have also led to significant environmental and health costs, with residents near bases experiencing adverse health effects from toxic chemicals and radiation exposure.

The US military has been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability regarding its environmental impact. Its emissions of greenhouse gases are often kept off the books, and the US government's reporting of military fuel consumption omits much of the fuel used for aircraft and ships, particularly those operating overseas. This leads to significant gaps in reporting and undermines efforts to address climate change.

However, there have been some efforts to address the US military's environmental impact. In 2022, Congress passed the PACT Act, providing health benefits to veterans, soldiers, and their families facing health issues due to exposure to burn pits. Additionally, the US military has set a goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, with plans to electrify army vehicles and modernize power generation, battery storage, land management, procurement, and supply chain resilience.

The US military's pollution and waste of resources have global consequences and contribute to climate change. Reform and increased transparency are necessary to protect the planet and safeguard the health and well-being of communities affected by US military operations.

US military's use of jet fuel

The US military is the world's single largest institutional source of greenhouse gas emissions, according to Brown University's Costs of War Project. In 2017, the US military emitted more than 25,000 kilotonnes of carbon dioxide, and purchased 269,230 barrels of oil a day. This is despite the fact that the US government's reporting of military fuel consumption omits much of the fuel used to power aircraft and ships, particularly those operating outside of the United States.

The US military uses JP-8 jet fuel, which was specified in 1990 by the US government as a replacement for government diesel-fuelled vehicles. JP-8 is a kerosene-based fuel, which is projected to remain in use until at least 2025. It is less flammable and hazardous than previous fuels, and contains fewer carcinogens and neurotoxins. It is also used as a coolant in engines and some other aircraft components. The US Air Force's C-17 Globemaster III, F-16 and F-15 are certified for use with hydrotreated renewable jet fuels, and the USAF plans to certify over 40 models for fuels derived from waste oils and plants. The US Navy has also flown aircraft using biofuel blends.

The US military's use of jet fuel has been the cause of several environmental disasters. In 2017, the US Naval Air Station Oceana in Norfolk, Virginia, spilled 84,000 gallons of jet fuel into a waterway. In 2019, it was revealed that a contractor for the Air Force had been dumping industrial solvent Trichloroethylene (TCE) into the ground surrounding Tucson International Airport for 29 years. This contaminated the drinking water, causing over 1,350 residents to suffer from cancer and other illnesses.

Despite the US military's contribution to climate change, the Pentagon has failed to analyse its own role in the crisis. The US military is not required to report on its emissions, due to a loophole in the Paris Agreement. However, there are some moves towards greater sustainability. In 2021, the head of the UK's Royal Air Force announced plans for the service to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, and the US Defense Department has also committed to reducing emissions and increasing investments in clean energy technology.

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