Invisible Warfare: The Secret Link between Conflicts and Climate Change

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Mr. Zain Edeen Zyadah, a 19-year-old Palestinian medical student and PRET Facilitator. He is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

Climate change is often discussed as a driver of conflict, but it’s crucial to recognize that the reverse relationship exists as well. Wars, particularly large-scale ones, can have significant impacts on climate change, a connection that merits our attention. This relationship underscores the need to address not just the environmental but also the geopolitical dimensions of our planet’s warming.

One of the most direct ways wars contribute to climate change is through the substantial carbon footprint of the military. Armed conflicts necessitate vast amounts of energy and resources, from fuel for vehicles to electricity for bases. This results in the release of significant greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming. Sometimes, these emissions can rival those of entire countries. Notably, World War II serves as an illustrative example. This conflict witnessed the deployment of vast military forces, extensive industrial production, and significant transportation demands, all contributing to increased greenhouse gas emissions, as documented in “The World at War: Economic Background” by Mark Harrison and Robert E. Lipsey.

Wars also have a direct environmental toll. Deliberate attacks on factories, power plants, and oil refineries can lead to hazardous spills, polluting the air and water. For instance, Kuwait’s desert ecosystem continues to recover from the environmental damage caused by the Gulf War in 1991.

Ecosystems are disrupted by war as well. Troop movements and conflict can result in deforestation, soil degradation, and wildlife displacement, leading to lasting ecological impacts and contributing to biodiversity loss. Wars can indirectly affect climate change by displacing populations. Large-scale migrations due to conflicts can strain host communities’ resources, resulting in deforestation and expanded farmland to accommodate the displaced. These changes intensify carbon emissions as forests are cleared. Additionally, wars can obstruct conservation efforts, with protected areas and national parks suffering from reduced surveillance and enforcement, leading to illegal activities like logging and poaching, harming ecosystems and weakening their ability to absorb carbon.

Certain military technologies and tactics further compound environmental consequences. For instance, depleted uranium ammunition releases toxic heavy metals into the environment, posing long-term risks to both humans and ecosystems. Explosives used in conflicts can emit fine particulate matter and pollutants into the air, contributing to air pollution and climate change. Importantly, the environmental impact of wars outlasts the conflicts themselves, persisting for decades and hindering recovery efforts, perpetuating environmental degradation.

In summary, wars contribute to climate change through various mechanisms, including carbon emissions, habitat disruption, and resource exploitation. Understanding this link is essential for developing effective strategies to mitigate the environmental impacts of conflicts and strive for a more sustainable and peaceful future. Enforcing international laws that safeguard both the environment and human rights during conflicts is a crucial and morally imperative step toward achieving a more sustainable and peaceful future. These laws not only mitigate the environmental consequences of conflicts but also play a pivotal role in preventing further wars from occurring, thus securing a peaceful legacy for the next generations.

About the author

Zain Edeen Zyadah, a 19-year-old Palestinian medical student and PRET Facilitator, is a dynamic individual driven by a passion for international collaboration and medical research. As the Assistant of the Standing Committee on Research Exchange (SCORE) in PMSA-Jerusalem, Zain alongside with SCORE team have successfully initiated the activation of the Incoming program at Al-Quds University, opening doors for global medical students to engage in research projects under university guidance. Holding certifications in leadership, Professional and Research Exchange Training (PRET), and research ethics, Zain is committed to academic excellence and dedicated to furthering research education and exchange.

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