The upcoming COP31 summit in Antalya, Türkiye, scheduled for November 2026, is facing intense pressure to integrate nuclear disarmament into the climate agenda. Advocates argue that global security and environmental stability are inseparable issues that require simultaneous political action from world leaders .
The $2.9 trillion conflict between military spending and climate resilience
Global military expenditure reached a record high of approximately $2.9 trillion in 2025, a figure that creates a massive financial competition with the resources required for climate adaptation. As the source reports,this unprecedented level of spending on military infrastructure directly competes with the funding needed to build disaster resilience in vulnerable regions.
The environmental footprint of these armed forces is also a growing concern for climate negotiators. According to the report, military operations—including the production and maintenance of aircraft, ships, and vehicles—account for roughly 5.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This significant output is often shielded from scrutiny due to national security exemptions in existing climate accountability frameworks.
Closing the $300 billion annual adaptation gap for developing nations
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that developing countries will require more than $300 billion every year for climate adaptation by the year 2035. This massive financial requirement far exceeds the current levels of international public finance available to support the world's most exposed populations.
This funding gap is exacerbated by immediate environmental threats, such as the intensifying El Niño phenomenon and record-breaking heatwaves. The disparity between historical emissions and the resulting climate impacts creates a matter of justice, as those who contributed the least to global warming often face the most catastrophic consequences, including mass displacement and fragile energy systems.
The environmental fallout of nuclear stockpiles and energy insecurity
Beyond tarditional emissions, the threat of nuclear weapons presents a unique and catastrophic environmental risk . The report suggests that even a limited use of existing nuclear stockpiles could trigger a "nuclear winter," a scenario characterized by global cooling,widespread crop failure, and mass starvation.
Energy insecurity further complicates these geopolitical tensions, as seen in the economic shocks and price volatility caused by disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. These vulnerabilities highlight how the intersection of energy dependence and military tension can rapidly destabilize the global climate and economic order.
Will the Santa Marta process and Electrify Now overcome political resistance?
While cooperative initiatives like the Santa Marta process and the Electrify Now coalition are working to accelerate renewable energy and fair transitions, several critical questions remain for the Antalya summit. It is still unclear if participating governments will agree to improve transparency in industrial emissions reporting or if they will continue to use security exemptions to obscure carbon outputs. Furthermore, the summit has yet to prove whether it can successfully move the needle on linking peacebuilding directly to climate mitigation in a fractured geopolitical environment.
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