Navy Command ready to force personnel to take online courses on climate change

THE Royal Navy is considering introducing compulsory climate change courses for all sailors, The Telegraph can reveal.

A leaked briefing paper suggests all Navy personnel could be forced to attend online training sessions about the impact of climate change on defence. “While this course is not yet mandated, it does provide a comprehensive overview on the science behind climate change and most importantly its relevance to defence,” the paper reads.

The document, published last autumn, reveals that the Navy’s climate change and sustainability unit is “exploring opportunities” to pay for sailors to study postgraduate courses on global warming. Environmental scientists could also be given berths on board Britain’s warships to conduct research, the paper says.

“We are developing relationships with universities to offer enduring opportunities to use Royal Navy platforms for their research, such as this December’s deployment in HMS Protector with scientists from Portsmouth University onboard,” it reads.

Admiral Lord West, the former First Sea Lord, told The Telegraph he supports the proposals “as long as one does not go stupid”. He added: “Climate change is not more important than fighting the King’s enemies, so it has to be done with a balance.”

However, Andrew Montford, director of the Net Zero Watch think tank, said Grant Shapps, the Defence Secretary, “needs to get a grip”.

“Net zero zealots will sacrifice anything and everything to their irrational faith,” he said. “Economic security and energy security have already been tossed aside, so it’s no surprise to see national security taking a back seat as well.”

The currently optional “climate change and security awareness” course is hosted on the Royal Navy’s online learning platform.

The Armed Forces will have to hit net zero by 2050 as part of the Government’s broader commitment.

The Navy has previously said it will paint ships with “environmentally friendly” paint, roll out solar power and use more electric vehicles.

The briefing paper is sent by Navy Command to all divisional officers and troop commanders twice a year and covers a range of topics. In the latest autumn 2023 edition, the Navy said the Armed Forces are responsible for 50 per cent of government’s carbon emissions.

It adds that climate change “threatens peace” and could worsen “gender inequality” and global poverty.

‘Economic and energy security were tossed aside so it’s no surprise national security takes a back seat’