Climate change is making life harder for people in Gaza and many other places. Extreme heat, crumbling infrastructure, and disease outbreaks are pushing these fragile systems closer to breaking point.
A study from Queen Mary University of London reveals that the Israel-Gaza war has produced about 33 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e). That’s like adding 7.6 million petrol cars to the roads in Jordan. The research suggests that military operations alone caused over 1.3 million tonnes of emissions. These come not just from weapon usage but also from rebuilding efforts, which have a hefty carbon footprint.
Dr. Frederick Otu-Larbi, an expert on environmental impacts of war, points out the need for transparency about military emissions. “Understanding the environmental impacts of conflict is crucial for addressing climate change,” he emphasizes. There’s growing pressure to consider these emissions when calculating a nation’s carbon footprint.
Last year, Ukraine demanded €37 billion from Russia for climate-related damages caused by its invasion. This marks a significant moment in addressing climate reparations from wars.
Climate change isn’t just an aftermath of conflict; it’s also a driver of crises. In Gaza, rising temperatures have made brutal heatwaves a reality. Last summer, temperatures soared past 40°C, leading to dehydration and food spoilage. Years of conflict have left many struggling with inadequate shelter and little access to electricity. The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) warns we have a 91% chance of exceeding the 1.5°C warming threshold in at least one of the next five years.
For every 1°C rise in temperature, the atmosphere can hold 7% more moisture, causing heavy rainfall. In March, flash floods in Gaza wreaked havoc, displacing thousands. According to UNICEF, at least 11 children died from hypothermia earlier this year due to poor living conditions exacerbated by storms.
Health risks are also skyrocketing. Rising temperatures and poor sanitation are leading to outbreaks of diseases like diarrheal illness and hepatitis A. Asif Hussain, CEO of UK charity SKT Welfare, highlights that overcrowding and sewage issues are creating ideal conditions for such outbreaks. This isn’t just a Gaza issue; countries like Yemen and Pakistan are experiencing similar problems fueled by climate change.
As emergencies multiply, experts urge that climate adaptation must become part of humanitarian responses. As Hussain warns, “Once infrastructure fails under the combined pressures of conflict and climate, health risks escalate quickly.”
Resilient water and sanitation systems, enhanced disease tracking, and better access to sustainable energy are essential for preventing these overlapping crises. Climate resilience should no longer be an afterthought; it’s critical for effective humanitarian aid.
The world faces a harsh reality wherein conflict, environmental degradation, and food insecurity will repeatedly compromise public health. As Hussain states, “Communities will face continuous emergencies with limited recovery time.” This highlights the urgent need for a united front in addressing both climate and humanitarian crises.
For further details on humanitarian aid, visit the UN OCHA.
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Climate change, carbon dioxide equivalent, infrastructure, fragile systems, Lancaster University, Gaza, Asif Hussain, extreme heat, climate reparations, environmental impacts, climate adaptation, emissions, disease outbreaks, environmental impact
