For more than 60 years, Norwegian and allied soldiers have conducted winter training in northern Norway. Last winter alone, 30,000 soldiers from 27 countries were on winter training in the north. Practicing here offers several benefits. Not only do the soldiers gain experience in dealing with extreme conditions. Winter training on frozen ground also means that damage from heavy equipment is limited. But the training picture will change in the future, due to climate change, higher temperatures and more frequent weather changes, shows a new report from the Norwegian Defense Research Institute. According to the report, for example, the carrying capacity will be changed as a result of the lack of soil in the ground, thawing permafrost and shorter winters. – Poorer carrying capacity can cause greater damage to the environment and cultivated land. This could mean that the Norwegian Armed Forces can no longer operate with their tanks and mechanized forces in areas that have previously been used, says chief researcher Rune Lausund at the Norwegian Armed Forces’ research institute. Rune Lausund at the Norwegian Defense Research Institute is one of the contributors to the climate report. Photo: news Must change clothes quickly Lausund is one of the contributors to the climate report, which was commissioned by the Defense Commission. The report sheds light on the consequences of climate change and climate adaptation for the Armed Forces up until 2040. – Climate change can change the security policy conditions, both globally and in our region, notes Lausund. One of the aspects is therefore the winter exercises of the future, which according to the report will take place in a climate where the weather changes are far more frequent than today. Rapid changes from cold and dry winter weather to plus degrees and rain will have consequences for both soldiers and equipment. – For example, there will be a greater need to change clothes quickly. Humidity and cold are a problem, and if you get many of these “zero passes”, then the body’s own ability to handle this becomes worse, says the chief researcher. The winter exercises have a long tradition. Photo: Karen Gjetrang / news Must practice more in the simulator According to the report, climate change can also result in a higher level of conflict between the Armed Forces and the civilian population. For example, there may be more compensation cases as a result of damaged land, or damaged reindeer husbandry. There may also be an increased demand from public opinion to limit practice activity. Therefore, there is a need for the Norwegian Armed Forces to rethink when it comes to conducting the large exercises, says Lausund. He points to increased use of simulators as a possible outcome. – At the same time, you must have a number of exercises where people can feel the physical environment on the body. You can do that in dedicated areas, says the chief researcher at FFI. The armed forces at a winter exercise. Photo: Torbjørn Kjosvold / The Armed Forces – Should not have consequences for the defense capability The army already has plans that regulate the exercise activity according to the conditions. If, for example, there is little telemetry on the ground, it will have an impact on what kind of material can be used during the exercise, says Colonel Geir Pettersen, who is a long-term planner in the Army. In addition, the Norwegian Armed Forces have their own environmental officers who participate in the planning of exercises. At the same time, Pettersen acknowledges that climate change will have an even greater impact on the Armed Forces’ training activities in the future. Among other things, there will be increased use of simulators, and this will affect the purchase of material. In addition, the Norwegian Armed Forces must look to a greater extent throughout the year when exercises are planned, says Pettersen. – Can this come at the expense of the defensive ability? – It shouldn’t do that. But it will require wisdom when we invest, and when we practise, says the long-term planner. Increasing the threat level in the world The consequences of climate change have long since become defense policy. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg stated last year that climate change is helping to increase the threat level in the world. Now the defense alliance must adapt both equipment, technology and training to the climate changes the world is facing. In addition, the NATO countries’ greenhouse gas emissions in connection with military activity must be reduced by 45 percent by 2030, Stoltenberg said. Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram shares the NATO commander’s view. Minister of Defense Bjørn Arild Gram. Photo: Kristin Humstad / news – The defense sector must take its share of the responsibility to ensure sustainable development. That is why we must pay attention to the Norwegian Armed Forces’ greenhouse gas emissions and footprint in nature, says Gram. He points to technology development and increased use of simulators as important elements in the work to make the armed forces’ activities more sustainable. – But we cannot avoid the fact that we also want to affect the environment around us. Exercise activity will be important for us to be able to defend the country, says Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.
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Climate change means that the Norwegian Armed Forces have to change the way they practice – news Troms and Finnmark
