The Ministry of Defence (MoD) must urgently address the impact of the climate crisis on UK forces, or risk seeing their capability eroded by rising temperatures and harsh conditions, MPs have warned. A report from the defence committee, released on Friday, highlights that global heating affects every aspect of military operations, from training in Cyprus becoming unusable at certain times of the year to armoured vehicles breaking down in extreme heat.
Rising sea temperatures are already reducing the efficiency of British warships, particularly in the Persian Gulf, where ships rely on seawater for engine cooling. The thermal blanketing effect of warmer waters is eroding engine performance. MPs stated: 'Defence will need to adapt to operate across increasingly demanding climatic conditions – otherwise the capability of our armed forces will be eroded.'
The report also warns of new conflicts emerging due to climate change, notably in the Arctic, where melting ice caps could open up trade routes and resources. Russia has declared the Arctic waters its own, raising the prospect of blocked access. The MoD should assess how the Joint Expeditionary Force might need to adapt to these developments.
MPs criticised the MoD for lacking ambition in reducing its emissions, which account for more than half of the government's total. They called for a dedicated climate change director and noted that the MoD is taking delivery of 1,000 new diesel-powered armoured vehicles that will still be in service by the 2050 net-zero target date. Tobias Ellwood, Conservative chair of the committee, said: 'We must reduce carbon emissions dramatically and quickly… the MoD must not hide behind maintaining capabilities as an excuse to avoid making progress elsewhere.'
