The Department of Defense (Defense) has officially ended nearly two decades of focus on climate change as a national security issue, suggesting that the dramatic reversal of policies once prioritized sustainability and climate-related research within the U.S. military. [emphasis, links added]
The decision confirmed later last week that broader efforts with the Trump administration have refocused on combat readiness and core military goals.
Pentagon spokesman John Ullyot responded to CNN's investigation, highlighting the shift: “Climate fanatics and other arousal chimera on the left are not part of this core mission.”
The move dismantled the initiative, which was first in 2003, when the Defense Department's Net Assessment Office issued a report warning about the potential for climate change to undermine national security.
By 2007, the Naval Analytics Center’s Military Advisory Committee labeled it as a “threat multiplier” predicting it could destabilize volatile regions, a view that later cemented the 2010 four-year seasonal defense review, which incorporated climate considerations into military planning.
For now, the Pentagon’s message is clear: climate change is no longer its battle.
Under the leadership of the previous administration, the Pentagon made substantial investments in renewable energy projects (Solar, Wind, Geoterm and Biomass) and set ambitious goals, including Transfer all administrative vehicles to electric vehicles by 2035 and tactical vehicles to tactical vehicles by 2050.
Millions of dollars have also funded social science research, such as research on the Europeanization of climate foods in Africa and the “Future Fish War” aimed at understanding climate-driven instability
But last week, the research portfolio was terminated.
The policy shift reflects the priorities of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who directed the Pentagon to focus on training, strength structure and modernization for combat effectiveness.
“John is right of course. @deptofdefense doesn't cause climate change. We do the training and fight,” Hegsseth posted on Sunday X.
John is certainly right.
this @DeptofDefense Don't do climate change.
We train and fight. https://t.co/ek5xyf7fn4
— Pete Hegseth (@petehegseth) March 9, 2025
The decision comes after years of criticism from conservative lawmakers and military analysts who argue that climate initiatives, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, have shifted resources from combat readiness.
Heggs is now facing a task of reversing what critics say “Bureaucratic drift”, a challenge that has been decades of policy over the past decades.
The Department of Defense hub is expected to reshape strategic plans, resource allocation and operational priorities for all military departments.
Gone are the days of transferring funds to alternative fuels or climate-centric research, with the focus on preparing for direct threats.
The move sparked debate, with supporters praising the return to the “fighter-first” mentality and warning that ignoring climate change may prevent the military from preparing for environmental challenges such as sea level rise or resource conflict.
The shift also coincides with broader administration efforts to revoke progressive policies, including a recent report revealing $1 trillion in federal DEI spending under Biden. For now, the Pentagon’s message is clear: climate change is no longer its battle.
Read more in Tampa Free Press
