NATO’s actions on the impact of climate change on security

Incorporating the threat of climate change into the security architecture redefines the role of the military and broadens its remit to include responsibilities related to ensuring climate security. In many countries, the military’s involvement in the fight against climate change is seen as essential. The aim of this research is to present the activities of the army in the face of climate change and their impact on the security of NATO countries, as the military’s energy transition is currently one of the key challenges for allied armies. Four diagnostic features were included in the study: adaptation to new environmental conditions, sustainability and zero-carbon, knowledge development and training activities, and partnership cooperation. The diversity of climate strategies in selected allied countries was examined through a comparative analysis and critique of strategic documents on climate change issues and defence energy transition (e.g. army climate strategies and civilian climate strategies). The study will outline the role that the military is slowly beginning to play in the energy transition process. The results may contribute to the discussion on energy transition in NATO armies, as this process is still highly controversial, with not all defence professionals agreeing on the army becoming eco-friendly, and contribute to the wider debate on low-carbon military operations.