On Monday (23 January 2023), NATO hosted its first Industry Symposium on Climate Change and Capabilities, which brought together over 150 representatives from NATO Allies and industry. The participants discussed how NATO’s ambitions on climate change and security can be taken into account in the development of new military capabilities.

 

Among the issues discussed were ways to exploit innovative and green technology in capability requirements, self-sustainment of forces and infrastructure, and the development of sustainable fuels for capabilities in the air, land, and maritime domains.

 

Wendy Gilmour, Assistant Secretary General for Defence Investment, said: “The Alliance is working hard on meeting our objectives on climate change and security. We are ensuring that military capabilities are ready for the future, while taking account of the defence sector’s impact on the environment requires close partnership with industry, both from the defence as well as the civilian world. I am encouraged by the interest shown by our industry partners in engaging with NATO on these issues, and look forward to continuing to develop our relationship”.

 

Allies recognise climate change as a threat multiplier, affecting NATO’s security, operations, and missions. As part of the NATO 2030 agenda, the Alliance has been actively engaging experts, civil society, and the private sector in developing its Climate Change and Security Agenda, which was adopted by NATO leaders in 2021. As part of this Agenda, NATO is incorporating climate change considerations into its work on capability development. At the 2022 NATO Summit in Madrid, the Secretary General launched an annual High-Level Dialogue on Climate Change and Security.