Abby Martin documentary exposes US military as world’s biggest polluter

Journalist Abby Martin and filmmaker Mike Prysner released the documentary “Earth’s Greatest Enemy,” which investigates the environmental impact of the United States Department of Defense. The film, screened recently in Australia and New Zealand, combines personal narrative, investigative reporting and on‑site footage from defence‑industry conferences, climate summits and the RIMPAC exercises.

The documentary argues that the Pentagon is the world’s largest institutional polluter, emitting about 55 million metric tons of CO₂ each year – more than 150 countries combined. When life‑cycle emissions of military equipment and those of NATO allies are added, the projected total could reach 295 million metric tons by 2028, not counting additional emissions from active combat and post‑war reconstruction. Interviews with scientists such as Stuart Parkinson highlight the broader ecocide of war, including toxic residues left after conflicts.

“Combined, the force upheld by extreme violence is the greatest threat to all living things on Earth,” Martin told Common Dreams, underscoring the documentary’s call for greater accountability for military‑related climate damage.