When national defence meets decarbonization: Arming India's just transition with military assistance

With increased environmental concerns due to the use of fossil fuels, as well as the societal concerns emerging from the process of transition to renewables, “just transition” is gaining prominence among stakeholders. The involvement of one such stakeholder, namely the military, has been considered here for India's journey towards just transition. While military activities may result in an adverse environmental impact, it is not a necessary outcome. It is argued that the role of the military towards a socially beneficial renewable energy expansion can be considerably significant, through its potential in research, technological advancement, and access to harsh geographies. With mutual cooperation between the military, the stakeholders, the society, and the tenets of just transition, it is possible for India to effectively realize the Sustainable Development Goals. This can allow for a major beneficial restructuring within the local and global economies. •Just transition and Sustainable Development Goals can both be achieved by involving military as a stakeholder.•Military's adverse impacts on the environment can be refuted by its involvement in environmentally sustainable activities.•Technology and research potential of the military alongside the energy industries can result in societal benefits.•Harsh regions with rich renewables can be reached by the military to expand clean energy access to the locals.•Local economies can be restructured by military intervention, offsetting the losses from phasing down of fossil fuels.