PARIS: The conflict in the Middle East is causing serious harm to the environment and the climate. From the jet fuel used in airstrikes to the smoke from burning oil depots, the ecological cost of warfare is often overlooked.
Military operations release a shocking amount of greenhouse gases. Benjamin Neimark from Queen Mary University in London highlights that U.S. and Israeli aircraft consume vast amounts of fuel when conducting missions over the Gulf. Even though many naval ships are nuclear-powered, they still rely on diesel generators for energy, contributing to pollution.
Experts consider various factors when assessing the environmental damage from war, including weapon manufacturing and post-war rebuilding. For instance, research published in the journal One Earth reveals that the Gaza conflict produced about 33 million tons of carbon dioxide. This is comparable to the annual emissions of a small country like Jordan. Similarly, the ongoing war in Ukraine has estimated emissions exceeding 300 million tons—equivalent to France’s annual output. These figures account for military activities, damage, and reconstruction efforts.
Neimark states that the conflict also raises alarms about pollution. Key oil shipping routes, like the Strait of Hormuz, are under threat. Attacks on oil infrastructure can lead to toxic environments. For example, during the Gulf War in the 1990s, burning oil wells released between 130 to 400 million tons of CO2 and took months to extinguish.
The conflict has caused oil prices to skyrocket, pressuring governments to balance financial relief and climate policies. Andreas Rudinger from the Institute for Sustainable Development notes that the rising costs of fossil fuels might push policymakers to explore cleaner energy solutions.
In addition to climate issues, military strikes also introduce toxic materials into the air and water. Strikes on fuel sites in Tehran have resulted in significant pollution. Mathilde Jourde from the Institute for International and Strategic Relations warns that attacking energy and military sites can have severe environmental consequences. With many facilities damaged, experts worry about the pollution risks to nearby communities and ecosystems.
Understanding the environmental impact of war is crucial as we strive for a more sustainable future. The costs of conflict go beyond human lives—they extend to the very planet we inhabit.
For additional insights, you can visit the Conflict and Environment Observatory and learn more about military activities and their environmental toll.
