Authors: Piyusha Kumar
Abstract: This research paper examines the emerging paradigm of sustainable warfare, investigating the technological innovations and strategic approaches being developed to reduce the environmental footprint of military operations. Through a systematic literature review and critical policy analysis, this study explores the inherent tensions between military objectives and environmental sustainability. The research analyzes current initiatives by major military powers, including NATO's Climate Change and Security Action Plan and various "green military" technologies, while also addressing the critical perspectives that challenge the very concept of environmentally sustainable warfare. Findings indicate that while technological advancements in renewable energy integration, biodegradable munitions, and resource efficiency can marginally reduce military environmental impacts, the concept of truly sustainable warfare faces substantive limitations. The study reveals that current sustainability initiatives primarily serve operational effectiveness and strategic advantage rather than representing genuine ecological commitment. Furthermore, the discourse of sustainable warfare risks legitimizing continued militarization through what critics term "green militarism"—the co-option of environmental concerns to justify military expansion. The paper concludes that approaches focusing on conflict prevention and peaceful resolution may offer greater environmental benefits than attempts to green military operations. This research contributes to understanding the complex relationships between security, sustainability, and justice in an era of ecological crisis, suggesting that genuine ecological sustainability requires a fundamental rethinking of security paradigms rather than technological fixes within existing military frameworks.
