Militarization is emerging as a critical environmental threat in the Pacific region, according to peace advocates. Maureen Penjueli, a former Coordinator of the Pacific Network on Globalisation and a member of the regional feminist alliance DAWN, has highlighted the impacts of military operations on the region’s oceans and their connection to the extraction of vital minerals.
Penjueli pointed out the increasing presence of nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS defense pact between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, noting that six nuclear submarine visits have occurred in the Pacific since August. There are concerns regarding whether these submarines are armed with nuclear weapons, raising fears among local populations. The recent announcement by the U.S. to resume nuclear weapons testing after a three-decade halt has exacerbated these anxieties, sparking worries about rearmament and the looming threat of nuclear conflict.
Moreover, Penjueli emphasized a disturbing trend where disaster response and climate initiatives are becoming integrated into military strategies. She warned that humanitarian efforts are increasingly militarized without proper legal frameworks or the consent of regional governments, blurring the lines between military action and essential humanitarian work.
Researcher Ma’ia’i Tau echoed Penjueli’s concerns, noting the correlation between militarization and the growing interest in deep-sea mining driven by the pursuit of critical minerals. He referenced the recent discussions by the International Seabed Authority (ISA) aimed at finalizing a controversial mining code, emphasizing contentious clauses related to environmental regulations and cultural heritage protection. The region is divided on this issue, with some Pacific nations supporting mining exploration while others call for a moratorium. Notably, forty nations, including eight from the Pacific, have urged a global suspension of seabed mining until definitive safety measures for marine ecosystems are established.
In light of industrial pressures for mining, regional advocates are stressing the need for a unified and sustainable approach to resource management. Tau criticized increasing U.S. involvement in deep-sea resource extraction, especially following President Trump’s executive order aimed at expanding offshore mining, which he fears could undermine multilateral efforts to protect marine environments.
Activists in the Pacific view 2025 as a pivotal year for shaping the region’s identity as a “zone of peace.” They argue that the interconnections between militarization, resource exploitation, and climate policy could redefine ocean governance. They are calling on major powers to exercise restraint to protect the future of Pacific communities. There is a hopeful prospect that through renewed advocacy and collaboration, Pacific nations can redefine their developmental narratives, emphasize sustainability, and safeguard their cultural heritage against external pressures. Prioritizing ecological health alongside economic development may pave the way for a resilient future for the Pacific Islands.