Article published by the Contemporary Security Policy, August 2025
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is grappling with a significant internal challenge: Transitioning from its traditional, fossil fuel-dependent operations to a new vision of low-carbon warfare. This shift is not merely about environmental responsibility; It is a strategic necessity to maintain operational effectiveness, reduce costs, and ensure the UK's geopolitical relevance in a world rapidly moving towards decarbonization.
The Strategic Imperative for Change
The push for low-carbon warfare is a direct response to a range of evolving threats. The MoD recognizes that its heavy reliance on fossil fuels poses several key risks. First, it increases operational costs, making the military more expensive to run. Second, it could restrict the UK's freedom of action globally as more countries adopt regulations on carbon emissions. Finally, continued high-carbon dependence could damage the MoD's reputation and its public license to operate.
To address these vulnerabilities, a dedicated group within the MoD has begun to implement foundational changes. This includes establishing the Climate Change and Sustainability Directorate and transforming the Defence Fuels Authority into the Defence Operational Energy Authority. These changes reflect a move to embed sustainability into the core of the military's strategic thinking. The goal is to create a future force that is less dependent on fossil fuels, with benefits like enhanced stealth and greater self-sufficiency for deployed forces.
The Roadblocks to a Low-Carbon Future
Despite these efforts, the MoD's transition faces significant hurdles. A major challenge is the deeply ingrained "high-carbon" mindset that dominates the organisation. This institutional inertia means that decision-making and financial investments overwhelmingly favour traditional fossil fuel-dependent technologies and infrastructure. There is also a general lack of organizational knowledge about the shifting energy landscape, making it difficult for the MoD to effectively plan its transition. This is further complicated by the MoD's complex structure, which can lead to competing priorities and slow down the process of consensus-building.
A particularly pressing challenge is the current global security landscape. Immediate threats from major powers like Russia and China demand a focus on existing military capabilities. This often diverts resources and attention away from long-term low-carbon projects, reinforcing the reliance on high-carbon infrastructure and slowing the pace of change.
An Evolving Approach to Security
The MoD's journey highlights the complex nature of adapting a large, mission-critical organisation to profound environmental shifts. Ultimately, achieving a low-carbon defense future will require an evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, approach. It demands sustained investment in new technologies, but also a shift in thinking that prioritizes climate resilience as an essential component of long-term security. This acknowledges that a stable climate and a strong defense are not separate goals but are increasingly intertwined.
This text is based on extracts from an article written by Duncan Depledge, August 2025. To read the complete piece, follow the link here.