The IPCC’S Missing Military Emissions

Apr 3, 2023 | Ellie Kinney
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On March 20th, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published its latest climate change research synthesis report. IPCC Chair Prof. Hoesung Lee’s message was clear: “If we act now, we can still secure a liveable sustainable future for all.”

Political pressure is equally vital and NGOs have begun speaking out within the UNFCCC and IPCC. From FWCC and CIEL at the recent IPCC meeting, to Tipping Point North South’s COP27 side event on military and conflict emissions under the UNFCCC, to a recent joint NGO call on the Global Stocktake. States are also beginning to focus on the issue. 

Military emissions reporting is still voluntary, which results in poor quality data at best, and at worst, no data at all. The UNFCCC guidelines must change to close that gap and the IPCC, and the states, academics and NGOs that support it, have an essential part to play in leading that change.