What is the CO2 Cost of War?

by: concerned Care2 members
recipient: The Senate, House, and the President

With the threat of climate change looming on the horizon, mixed with groups like 10:10 and 350.org trying to educate the global public about our responsibility to reduce our CO2 footprint in order to help stave off our extinction, it is time to take a few HUGE contributing factors into account. Just what is the cost of war? Between the manufacture of weapons, the movement of troops and their arsenal and supplies, to the various corporate entities who hold government contracts for everything from security to "rebuilding" in its various guises, what is the impact on the global climate? I am petitioning to request the government to actually have to calculate, with the best possible efficiency, the CO2 footprint of our military, including the ongoing occupations in Iraq and Arghanistan. This is important information, as it becomes necessary to try to reduce where possible, and offset these numbers through programs to plant trees, build wind turbines, utilise solar energy, and even consider the options of creating electric or hybrid military vehicles.
I am personally not a fan of the military, and many of you probably agree, but I'm sure we can understand the need for defense personnel; however, not if the cost is our extinction. I urge our government, as well as other governments around the globe, to calculate and publish these numbers, as the global public has the right to know, just as we have the right to request that our governments participate in programs to help alleviate these effects.

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We, the undersigned, respectfully request that our military be required to calculate and annually publish the CO2 footprint caused from military bases, activities, as well as all ongoing military installations, and actions in foreign countries.

It is important that in addition to the general public trying to take steps to reduce their personal carbon footprints, that our military and government lead by example and take responsibility for these very same. It should also invest time and energy into finding lower CO2 options such as electric/hybrid vehicles, the installation of wind turbines in foreign countries to help reduce and/or offset the CO2 footprint we are leaving in other countries, such as Iraq, and Afghanistan. Planting trees in areas that have been destroyed during military operations. Even participating in activities such as contracting with Charitable organisations to provide for low CO2 impact building projects; i.e. rebuilding homes, schools, etc...

As the government here in these great Unites States, becomes more aware and active against Climate Change, We are certain that you distinguished few, the voices of the people, can understand our concern, and our need to offer suggestions for improving the climate situation, not just in the US, but also in those countries that we might have an adverse effect on CO2 emissions.

Please take a moment to view the many signatures, of concerned GLOBAL voices, that have gathered together here to send you one clear call to take a stand within the global community, and consider utilising some of these bold steps, to show the rest of the world how much Americans care out our great shared home; the Earth.

We truly thank you all for your consideration of our united voice and we hope that you will continue to build upon these ideas well into the future.

Most Sincerely Yours,

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