Pentagon Ends Climate Programs, Citing Focus on Warfighting

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defends the decision, but experts warn the move could harm military readiness and national security.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the Department of Defense will eliminate climate-related initiatives, calling them a distraction from the military’s core mission.
The decision follows a review by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, which identified climate programs as examples of wasteful spending.
Critics, including military experts, argue that cutting climate programs could undermine military readiness by ignoring risks like extreme weather and infrastructure vulnerabilities.
Supporters of the cuts describe the programs as part of a broader effort to remove what they view as politically driven priorities from the Pentagon.
Experts warn the move could weaken U.S. strategic relationships with allies, especially in regions like the Pacific, where climate change is a pressing security concern.