The substantial environmental effects of Trump’s $1 trillion Pentagon Plan will boost carbon emissions, generating controversy. This budget may increase carbon emissions by 26 megatons of CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e), equivalent to the yearly emissions of 68 gas power plants or the entire nation of Croatia, according to a report by the Climate and Community Institute (CCI) exclusively provided to The Guardian. This increase in the military budget raises essential concerns about striking a balance between environmental sustainability and national security, as climate change exacerbates catastrophic weather events.

Trump’s $1 Trillion Pentagon Plan Will Boost Carbon Emissions: A Closer Look

The Pentagon’s budget is expected to increase by 17%, from $860 billion in 2023 to $1 trillion in 2026. Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Act,” which is the driving force behind this surge, prioritizes military expansion over other federal initiatives. In addition to tax cuts for the wealthiest and a strict immigration crackdown, this increase has resulted in cuts to funding for disaster management, the National Weather Service, science, education, Medicaid, food stamps, and humanitarian help. The Pentagon’s budget decisions are crucial to addressing the climate crisis, as it is the largest single consumer of fossil fuels in the United States and is responsible for nearly 80% of all government emissions.

The table below compares military spending and estimated emissions of the top countries, highlighting the U.S.’s leading role.

Note: Non-U.S. emissions are estimates based on spending proportions and global military emissions data.

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The Carbon Cost: 26 Megatons of Additional Emissions

The CCI report emphasizes the strong correlation between military spending and carbon emissions, pointing out that Trump’s $1 trillion Pentagon Plan will boost carbon emissions by an additional 26 million tons of CO2e emissions. This is equivalent to the total emissions of Croatia, a country with a population exceeding 4 million, or the annual production of 68 gas power plants. Increased military operations, jet fuel use, domestic base maintenance, and the carbon-intensive production of weaponry, ships, tanks, and airplanes are the leading causes of these emissions. The Pentagon’s use of fossil fuels contributes to catastrophic weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, by exacerbating global warming.

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Economic Damages: $47 Billion and Counting

The environmental cost has significant financial consequences. The CCI states that the 178 million tons of CO₂e emissions released by the Pentagon will result in global economic damages of approximately $47 billion. Effects on the economy can come in many forms, as illustrated by the reduction of agricultural production, increased health costs associated with illnesses caused by pollution, and property losses from extreme weather events.

The long-term economic impact is demonstrated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency‘s (EPA) social cost of carbon calculator, expressed in 2025 dollars. Interestingly, the $150 billion budget increase is roughly five times the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) yearly budget, which Trump has threatened to cut.

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Global Comparison: Pentagon vs. Entire Countries

With 178 Mt of CO₂e emissions, the Pentagon would be the 38th greatest emitter in the world if it were a distinct country, outperforming nations like Ethiopia, which has a population of 135 million yet emits less each year. Additionally, the Pentagon’s carbon footprint is equivalent to the emissions of 47 coal-fired power plants that operate continuously throughout the year. This comparison highlights the significant contribution of the military to global greenhouse gas emissions. As Trump’s $1 trillion Pentagon Plan will boost carbon emissions, drawing international attention, the United States—already the second-largest emitter after China—is coming under more scrutiny.

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Climate Change as a National Security Threat

The Pentagon acknowledged in 1991 that environmental deterioration could lead to migration and political instability, demonstrating its long-standing recognition of climate change as a national security threat. However, the actions of the present government, such as ending the Pentagon’s renewable energy and climate studies programs, contradict this position.

The security that the $1 trillion budget seeks to improve may be undermined by emissions that worsen climate-related concerns. As CCI’s Patrick Bigger notes, “Every extra dollar grows the Pentagon’s carbon footprint—and shrinks the chances for a livable future.” Trump’s $1 trillion Pentagon plan to boost carbon emissions could therefore be counterproductive to the very national security goals it claims to protect.

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FAQs

1. How much more carbon emissions are expected as a result of Trump’s Pentagon plan?

According to the CCI analysis, the plan is expected to increase CO₂ emissions by 26 megatons, thereby increasing the Pentagon’s overall emissions to 178 million tons of CO₂e.

2. What is the Pentagon’s emission level compared to other nations?

With 178 Mt of CO₂e emissions, the Pentagon would be the 38th greatest emitter in the world if it were a nation, outpacing countries like Ethiopia, which has a population of 135 million.

3. What effects do these higher emissions have on the economy?

Due to the exacerbated occurrence of extreme weather events, the emissions are estimated to have caused $47 billion in global economic damage, affecting property, health, and agriculture.

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