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Snapshot 5:Mon, Sep 15, 2025 9:25:48 PM GMT last edited by Nick

Report: NATO Military Spending Increase Could Add 1.3B Tons of Emissions

Report: NATO Military Spending Increase Could Add 1.3B Tons of Emissions

Report: NATO Military Spending Increase Could Add 1.3B Tons of Emissions
Above: Hellenic Air Force F-16 jet flies over Thessaloniki during a military parade. Image credit: Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto/Getty Images

The Spin

Rising NATO and global military spending threatensthreaten both the planet and human security. The $2.6 trillion NATO surge alone could fund climate adaptation, hunger relief and development for years, yet it will sharply increase emissions — potentially more than Brazil's annual output. Every dollar poured into arms deepens instability, fuels emissions, and diverts resources from genuine security. Peace, diplomacy and sustainable development — not bigger militaries — are the real path to safety and a livable planet.

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Metaculus Prediction

There's an 8% chance that there will be a direct conflict between Russia and any NATO member state before 2027, according to the Metaculus community prediction.


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© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.18.0