How War Contributes to Climate Change

War has far-reaching consequences, many of which extend beyond the immediate human suffering and destruction. Among the less-discussed but deeply impactful effects is how war exacerbates climate change. Armed conflicts disrupt emission trends, deteriorate air quality, and lead to the collapse of environmental governance, all of which contribute significantly to the worsening global climate crisis.?

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Emissions Trends Before and After Conflicts?

Wars disrupt normal economic activities, often leading to spikes in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the prelude and aftermath of conflicts. Before conflicts, nations engaged in arms races and military mobilization experience a surge in industrial activity, including the manufacturing of weapons, vehicles, and other military equipment. For example, military preparations during the Gulf War involved extensive fuel combustion for logistics and transport, significantly increasing CO? emissions.?

Once hostilities commence, emissions patterns become erratic. Active combat operations generate substantial emissions from military vehicles, aircraft, and weaponry. Tanks, fighter jets, and naval vessels run on fossil fuels, and their deployment in large-scale conflicts leads to significant CO? and particulate matter emissions. For instance, during the Iraq War, military activities emitted millions of metric tons of CO? annually, contributing to the global carbon footprint.?

After a conflict, emissions often spike again during reconstruction. Damaged infrastructure, such as power plants, roads, and industrial facilities, requires rebuilding, often with limited regard for sustainable practices. The need for rapid recovery usually prioritizes cost and speed over environmental considerations, leading to further emissions.?

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Air Quality Degradation?

War has an immediate and severe impact on air quality, particularly in conflict zones. The use of explosives, bombings, and chemical weapons releases toxic substances and particulate matter into the atmosphere. For example, the Syrian Civil War saw widespread burning of oil wells and chemical attacks, creating hazardous clouds of pollution that affected respiratory health and regional air quality.?

Burning oil fields, a common wartime strategy to deny resources to the enemy, has devastating consequences for air quality. During the Gulf War, Iraqi forces ignited hundreds of oil wells in Kuwait, releasing massive amounts of soot, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. The resulting "oil fire smog" darkened skies across the region and caused significant health and environmental damage.?

Post-war rebuilding efforts also degrade air quality. Debris removal, construction activities, and diesel-powered machinery release dust and emissions, compounding the pollution from the war itself. Cities like Mosul, Iraq, which suffered extensive destruction during battles with ISIS, faced prolonged periods of poor air quality during the reconstruction phase.?

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Collapse of Environmental Governance?

Conflict often leads to the breakdown of environmental governance, leaving ecosystems unprotected and vulnerable to exploitation. Governments in war-torn regions are typically preoccupied with survival and security, sidelining environmental concerns. Regulatory agencies dissolve, conservation programs are halted, and protected areas become battlefields or resource extraction sites.?

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, decades of conflict have not only led to humanitarian crises but also rampant deforestation and poaching in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. Armed groups frequently exploit natural resources, including logging, mining, and wildlife trafficking, to finance their operations, causing long-term environmental harm.?

Moreover, the collapse of governance often results in the neglect of critical infrastructure, such as wastewater treatment plants, leading to water contamination and further environmental degradation. The longer a conflict persists, the harder it becomes to restore governance structures and enforce environmental protection measures, creating a vicious cycle of destruction.?

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Indirect Impacts on Global Emissions?

War’s impact on climate change is not confined to the conflict zones. The ripple effects of war extend globally through energy markets, refugee crises, and geopolitical instability.?

1. Energy Market Disruptions:?Armed conflicts in oil-producing regions destabilize global energy supplies, prompting countries to stockpile fossil fuels and ramp up production. For example, the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 disrupted European energy supplies, leading to a temporary resurgence in coal use as nations scrambled to secure energy independence.?
2. Refugee Crises:?Wars displace millions, often forcing people to live in temporary settlements with minimal infrastructure. Refugee camps frequently rely on diesel generators and open fires for cooking and heating, contributing to localized air pollution and emissions.?
3. Military Emissions:?Militaries worldwide increase their readiness during conflicts, which includes heightened training exercises, mobilization, and production of military hardware. The carbon footprint of these activities is substantial; the U.S. Department of Defense alone is one of the largest institutional consumers of fossil fuels globally.?

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Steps Toward Mitigating War’s Environmental Impact?

Mitigating the climate impact of war requires proactive measures before, during, and after conflicts.?

1. Strengthening Environmental Protections in Wartime:?International agreements like the Geneva Conventions should be expanded to include clauses on protecting the environment during armed conflicts. This could include bans on the use of scorched-earth tactics, such as burning oil fields or intentional deforestation.?
2. Promoting Green Reconstruction:?Post-conflict reconstruction should prioritize sustainable practices, including renewable energy deployment and eco-friendly building materials. International aid organizations can play a key role by providing funding and technical expertise for green recovery projects.?
3. Building Resilient Governance:?Efforts to rebuild war-torn nations should emphasize restoring environmental governance and capacity. Strengthening institutions that protect ecosystems and regulate resource extraction is essential for long-term recovery.?
4. Reducing Military Emissions:?Governments can invest in greener military technologies, such as hybrid or electric vehicles, and adopt renewable energy sources for military bases to minimize the environmental footprint of defense operations.?

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Conclusion?

War’s contribution to climate change is multifaceted, spanning emissions surges, air quality degradation, and the collapse of environmental governance. Beyond the immediate devastation, conflicts leave lasting scars on ecosystems and climate systems, further exacerbating global challenges. As the world grapples with the intertwined crises of climate change and geopolitical instability, addressing the environmental consequences of war must become a central part of global discussions. Only by recognizing these impacts and taking concerted action can we hope to mitigate the environmental toll of armed conflicts.?