The U.S. Navy, under the leadership of Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment Meredith Berger, is taking significant steps towards climate action and sustainability. Berger, as the first chief sustainability officer of the department, is working to ensure that Navy bases and installations are prepared to withstand the impacts of climate change. The Navy has recognized climate change as an existential threat to its bases and is taking measures to reduce its own contributions to climate pollution. Despite being a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, the Navy is actively working to cut its carbon footprint.
The Navy’s Climate Action 2030 Strategy highlights the need to address the climate threat to its bases and installations, which can multiply risks for Marines and sailors. The department has acknowledged that extreme weather events are becoming more severe due to climate change, prompting increased emergency response efforts from the Navy and Marine Corps. As the world’s largest institutional user of petroleum, the military is also the single largest institutional producer of greenhouse gases. The Navy recognizes the importance of cutting emissions and becoming a leader in sustainability to combat climate change.
The Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C., has been at the forefront of developing alternative forms of energy to power naval vessels, equipment, and aircraft. Scientists at the lab are working on projects involving solar power, hydrogen fuel cells, batteries, and other alternative fuel sources. These technologies have the potential to assist sailors and Marines where conventional fossil fuels may not be suitable. Projects such as hydrogen fuel cells for Marine expeditionary forces and drones powered by a combination of fuel cells and solar energy are being explored to reduce reliance on traditional fuel sources.
In addition to developing alternative energy sources, the Navy is also focused on creating sustainable military bases. Under the Obama administration, the Navy emphasized clean fuels research, and some success has been achieved with biofuels and renewable energy sources on Navy ships and aircraft. Military bases have expanded their use of renewable energy, with Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany in Georgia becoming the first net-zero energy military base in the country. Despite facing criticism from some lawmakers, the Navy is prioritizing economic sustainability and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
Assistant Secretary Berger emphasizes the importance of investing soundly in climate resiliency efforts to protect Navy properties and personnel. While critics may disagree with the environmental goals of climate action, the economic considerations cannot be ignored. Berger highlights the need to anticipate and address the growing threat of climate change on Navy operations. By taking proactive steps towards sustainability, the Navy is not only preparing for climate-related risks but also demonstrating its commitment to reducing its environmental impact and setting a positive example for others to follow.
