The recent findings from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) highlight two vital points: all states must work diligently to protect our climate and they should collaborate to prevent harm. Judge Sarah Cleveland stressed that this includes evaluating and addressing greenhouse gas emissions resulting from armed conflicts. She warned that ignoring these harms only skews our understanding of global warming, weakening our collective efforts to combat climate change.
These findings follow global legal initiatives to safeguard the environment during war. In 2022, the UN’s International Law Commission introduced principles for environmental protection in armed conflicts. These guidelines, approved by the UN General Assembly, outline how to protect the environment before, during, and after conflicts. They also acknowledge that war can worsen existing environmental problems like climate change and biodiversity loss.
A new concept gaining traction is “ecocide,” which refers to severe and long-term environmental harm caused by unlawful actions during conflicts. Countries like Belgium and Chile have already included this in their legal frameworks. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has even called for recognizing ecocide to protect nature.
Consider the situation in Gaza. The recent conflict has led to significant ecological damage, fitting the definition of ecocide. Even before the fighting intensified, communities faced water shortages and extreme heat. Now, the aftermath has created dire environmental and health challenges. Food production is nearly impossible due to contamination from munitions, waste, and sewage, with the UN Environment Programme reporting that almost all crops in Gaza have been destroyed.
A recent study revealed it might take up to 40 years to clear the rubble left by military actions, estimating around 18 million miles of heavy machinery travel will be needed, releasing about 66,000 tons of CO₂. This situation underscores the urgent need for accurate reporting and comprehensive data on the environmental impact of warfare. Without this, global climate policies cannot fully address the realities on the ground.
Experts are increasingly recognizing the intersection between climate action and military conflicts. As conflicts continue to escalate, understanding their environmental impacts will be crucial for future policies. The need for transparency and action has never been more critical.
This growing awareness reminds us that protecting our planet is a shared responsibility and must guide international relations and legal frameworks moving forward.
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Carbon dioxide emissions,Ukraine,International Court of Justice (ICJ),international law,WARS,Gaza
