Source - email
BETTER DEFENSE CAPACITY WITH CLIMATE MEASURES?
Erik Bye
August 10, 2025
Does the Norwegian Armed Forces believe in the Climate Santa Claus?
This is a report in the Norwegian Newspaper Aftenposten on August 7:
“Climate measures strengthen our defense capabilities.”
The introduction reads:
“Measures will contribute to the Norwegian Armed Forces functioning optimally in a potential war situation.”
EB: Yes, you read that right. Climate measures will strengthen Norway’s defense capabilities. Two researchers from the Norwegian Armed Forces Research Institute are writing this, so we have to believe that they are serious.
And what kind of climate measures are they talking about? The article doesn’t say anything about that.
Here are, however, some general asides about the fictitious, imaginary climate issue:
General information about climate measures
"In today's demanding security political situation, good defense is central.
Climate goals and adaptation can contribute precisely to this. Climate measures in the defense context are therefore implemented mainly to increase preparedness. The climate benefit is a bonus."
EB: Of all things, they highlight "climate goals" as a central factor for defense. These are goals that politicians have taken straight out of thin air, and the goals have no scientific documentation. And this claims to be an important basement?
In the article, the people from the research institute engage in a bit of polemic against the politician Morten Wold of the FrP, who has spoken out critically about the use of biofuel. I will leave this polemic aside.
A little further down in the article, the researchers write:
"The goal of cutting operational emissions by 20 percent is taken from the Defense Sector's Climate and Environmental Strategy. It was designed by the defense sector itself, not the government. NATO does not require emissions cuts, but encourages them. Biofuel is highlighted as a desired measure."
EB: Here the Armed Forces are going overboard. They are talking about climate measures that will contribute to increased defense capabilities in Norway. It's just that they will have no effect, apart from millions of Norwegians Kroner (NOK) spent for no purpose, without any effect. This is so stupid that I won't go into the climate details that the Armed Forces are considering.
And notice that NATO does not provide climate advice. Have they understood more than most of the others? But to suggest something, they probably do not. Here everyone must take responsibility for their actions, and fry in their fat!
«The enemy does not care about the climate
"An adversary will not "take the climate into account if they attack". That is true. Russia does not take climate change seriously and does not implement sufficient climate measures. They largely see climate change as an economic opportunity. Russia's forces in the Arctic are negatively affected by climate change, and the absence of adaptation is a weakness for them. If we ensure good adaptation of our defense, we can therefore gain a relative advantage.
EB: And this adaptation is obtained by Climate measures. It is hard to believe!
The Norwegian Armed Forces may also be affected by climate change. Platforms, infrastructure, and personnel will face significant challenges. Climate adaptation and measures are becoming increasingly important for the Armed Forces.
The range of climate measures and adaptations will therefore contribute to the Armed Forces functioning optimally in a potential war situation, rather than standing in the way of it.”
My final comments:
The Armed Forces will not notice this climate concern, other than in their wallets. The next thing may be climate-friendly weapons and ammunition!