The Navy’s commitment to combating climate change through clean energy initiatives

The U.S. Navy, under the leadership of Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment Meredith Berger, is taking important steps toward climate action and sustainability. As the department’s first Chief Sustainability Officer, Berger is working to ensure 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 steps to reduce its own contribution to climate pollution. Despite being a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, the Navy is actively working to reduce its carbon footprint.

The Navy’s Climate Action 2030 strategy emphasizes the need to address the climate threat to its bases and installations, which could increase risks to Marines and sailors. The department has recognized that extreme weather events are becoming more severe due to climate change, prompting increased Navy and Marine Corps emergency response efforts. As the world’s largest institutional user of petroleum, the military is also the largest institutional producer of greenhouse gases. The Navy recognizes the importance of reducing emissions and becoming a leader in sustainability to combat climate change.

The Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC, is at the forefront of developing alternative forms of energy to power Navy ships, equipment and aircraft. Scientists in the lab work on projects involving solar energy, hydrogen fuel cells, batteries and other alternative fuel sources. These technologies have the potential to help sailors and Marines where conventional fossil fuels may not be suitable. Projects such as hydrogen fuel cells for maritime expeditionary forces and drones powered by a combination of fuel cells and solar energy are being explored to reduce dependence on traditional fuel sources.

In addition to developing alternative energy sources, the Navy also focuses on creating sustainable military bases. Under the Obama administration, the Navy emphasized clean fuels research, and there has been some success 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 zero-energy military base in the country. Despite criticism from some lawmakers, the Navy is prioritizing economic sustainability and responsible management of taxpayer dollars.

Assistant Secretary Berger emphasizes the importance of sound investments in climate resilience efforts to protect Navy assets and personnel. While critics may disagree with the environmental goals of climate action, the economic considerations cannot be ignored. Berger emphasizes the need to anticipate and address the growing threat of climate change to naval operations. By taking proactive steps toward sustainability, the Navy is not only preparing for climate-related risks, but also demonstrating its commitment to reducing environmental impact and setting a positive example for others to follow.