War is not merely the clash of weapons and soldiers. It is a widespread social, humanitarian, and ecological disaster. When armed conflicts occur, rivers dry up, forests burn, and the soil becomes toxic. Wars are generally viewed in terms of their impact on human life, property, and geopolitical situations. However, one important aspect that often remains overlooked is the impact of war on the environment. War affects not only humans and nations but also severely impacts the Earth’s ecological structure, natural resources, and biodiversity. In this article, we will explore the environmental consequences of war.
Pre War Situation
The preparation for war and the maintenance of military infrastructure is, in itself, a highly polluting process. The world’s militaries together contribute approximately 5.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Military exercises and training consume vast amounts of oil, water, metals, and rare earth elements. Military bases and training grounds are often located in natural habitats, causing severe ecological damage. Explosions during training, chemical emissions, and the movement of heavy vehicles pollute both land and water sources.
Situation During War
The destruction of natural resources during war often emerges as a common military strategy, where water plants, oil reserves, and agricultural systems are deliberately targeted to weaken the enemy. Such actions not only halt economic activities but also cause widespread air, water, and soil pollution, severely affecting the entire ecosystem.
Additionally, the use of explosives and chemical weapons leads to the accumulation of radioactive substances and toxic chemicals in the soil, endangering both soil fertility and water sources. Debris and dust from explosions not only pollute the environment but also have long-term adverse effects on the health of local populations.
Furthermore, war poses a serious threat to wildlife and biodiversity. In forest areas affected by conflict, the presence of armed groups often leads to increased illegal hunting, unregulated logging, and mining activities. In countries like Congo, Colombia, and Ukraine, such practices have caused irreversible damage to biodiversity, pushing many species to the brink of extinction.
Environmental Neglect During Occupation
During wartime, occupied territories experience a range of harmful environmental impacts. Waste generated by military bases, fuel leaks, and chemical waste severely pollute the surrounding land, water, and air, disrupting the local environmental balance. Additionally, walls, fences, and checkpoints built in the name of security obstruct the natural movement routes of wildlife, affecting their breeding patterns, access to food, and inter-species interactions. This disruption can sometimes threaten the very survival of certain species. The exploitation of resources in occupied regions is often unequal and unregulated. Local communities are frequently denied access to their own water, land, and mineral resources, while external forces exploit them indiscriminately. This not only leads to environmental degradation but also fuels social unrest.
Post war situation
After a war ends, the management of debris and toxic waste becomes a serious challenge. The construction debris, metals, and chemical residues from destroyed cities and settlements, if not properly disposed of, not only pollute the environment but also pose significant threats to public health. Additionally, as displaced people return to their homes, the need for resettlement and livelihoods increases pressure on forests and natural resources, further destabilizing environmental balance.
Moreover, unregulated survival activities during war, such as illegal crude oil refining cause immediate pollution and leave long-lasting toxic effects in the soil, water, and air. These impacts often persist in the local environment and communities for many years.
History offers numerous such examples. During World War II, the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the United States not only caused immense loss of human life but also brought widespread environmental destruction. The radioactive fallout contaminated soil and water sources for years, rendering agricultural land barren and pushing plant and animal species toward extinction.
Similarly, heavy bombing and military operations across parts of Europe destroyed forests and spread toxic chemicals in industrial areas—many of which still face environmental problems today.
Another major example is the Vietnam War, where the U.S. military carried out “Operation Ranch Hand,” spraying millions of liters of harsh chemical defoliants like Agent Orange. The goal was to destroy forests and crops to deprive Vietnamese fighters of cover. However, this led to the destruction of millions of hectares of forest, the poisoning of soil and water sources, and severe damage to biodiversity. The consequences are still felt in Vietnam today, with widespread birth defects, cancer, and other health issues among the population. This war stands as a grim example of environmental devastation.
International Provisions for Environmental Protection During Armed Conflict
- The Geneva Conventions (1949) and its Protocols, especially Protocol I (1977) state that environmental damage which causes long-term harm to human health or livelihoods should be prohibited during warfare.
- The ENMOD Convention (1977) – Environmental Modification Convention
This convention clearly states that using the environment as a weapon (such as artificially altering the climate) is considered an international crime. - United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)– UNEP plays a key role in post-conflict zones by conducting environmental rehabilitation, monitoring, and providing expert guidance.
- Guidelines of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)- The ICRC has issued “Guidelines on the Protection of the Natural Environment in Armed Conflict”, which apply to both military and civilian actors.
- United Nations General Assembly November 6th Observance- Every year on November 6, the “International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict” is observed to raise awareness of this critical issue.
Way Forward
It is not just the destruction of natural beauty but a direct blow to human health, food security, and the essential resources of life. If we are to leave behind a safe and prosperous planet for future generations, it is imperative to prioritize environmental protection during conflicts. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has found that nearly 40 percent of internal conflicts over the past 60 years have been linked to the exploitation of natural resources—whether high-value resources like timber, diamonds, gold, and oil, or scarce resources such as fertile land and water. Conflicts involving natural resources are found to be twice as likely to relapse. Therefore, the international community, policymakers, and civil society must work together to ensure that wars are not fought solely with weapons, but with environmental ethics as well. However, much still needs to be done in this area.
Read this article in Hindi on Indian Environmentalism.