The Climate Question explores how modern warfare affects the environment, focusing on conflicts such as the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran, as well as fighting in Gaza and Ukraine. The programme examines the significant carbon footprint created by military activity, including fighter jets, bombs and vast supply chains required to sustain operations.

Beyond active combat, the episode highlights the environmental cost of maintaining armies, military bases and equipment during peacetime. These ongoing operations contribute substantially to greenhouse gas emissions, raising concerns about the long term climate impact of global defense systems.

Experts also discuss whether armed forces can reduce their emissions and adapt to a warming world. The episode considers whether military leaders now view climate change as a strategic threat that could shape future conflicts and global security planning.