The Department of National Defence (DND) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has released a strategy to improve its environmental sustainability and climate change resilience.
In a release, DND/CAF says its Climate Resilience and Environmental Sustainability Science and Technology (CRESST) Strategy outlines how its science and technology activities will be guided toward achieving its environmental and energy targets, and anticipating and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
DND/CAF manages an extensive portfolio of real estate, air, land and maritime fleets required for the defence of Canada.
It has a target of reducing its GHG emissions by 40% by 2025, five years ahead of schedule, which will contribute to the federal government’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
The CRESST Strategy guides science and technology activities through 10 action areas organized under three strategic objectives:
– Conduct research to enable climate change mitigation and environmental sustainability.
– Assess challenges, risks, and opportunities associated with the environment and climate change.
– Conduct research to support climate change adaptation and resilience.
Outcomes are divided into short term (one to five years), medium term (five to 10 years) and long term (10+ years).
DND/CAF will review the CRESST Strategy periodically to ensure that it remains fit-for-purpose, and up to date.
The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, says “The Canadian Armed Forces have been on the front lines of the fight against climate change, by responding to forest fires, floods, and emergencies across Canada. It is crucial that National Defence takes measures to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and environmental footprint, in order to mitigate the security threat posed by climate change. By ensuring that DND/CAF’s science, technology and innovation activities directly address climate change and environmental impacts, we are helping to ensure the safety of Canadians.”
