The Impact of War on Climate: Ukraine-Russia Conflict and Israel-Hamas War
War leaves an indelible mark not only on human societies but also on the planet itself. The Ukraine-Russia conflict and the Israel-Hamas war, two of the most pressing geopolitical crises, have sparked a wave of environmental consequences that extend far beyond the immediate battlefield. As governments and organizations focus on the human toll and strategic outcomes, there is growing concern about the environmental fallout—particularly in the context of climate change.
The Ukraine-Russia War: Environmental Fallout and Climate Disruptions
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia, which escalated significantly in February 2022, has unleashed widespread environmental damage. The war has caused the destruction of cities, industrial zones, and agricultural land, contributing to significant emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants. This not only worsens local ecosystems but also feeds into the broader challenge of climate change.
Fossil Fuels and Air Quality
One of the most glaring environmental consequences of the Ukraine-Russia war stems from the burning of fossil fuels. The conflict zone includes vital energy infrastructure—oil and gas pipelines, refineries, and storage facilities—that have been repeatedly targeted. Fires from these attacks, combined with explosions from military operations, have released vast amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) into the atmosphere.
Satellite data from the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA has confirmed increased levels of air pollution over Eastern Europe. A surge in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels, a key air pollutant from burning fossil fuels, has been detected. Satellite images from NASA’s Ozone Monitoring Instrument show large NO2 plumes stretching from major conflict zones like Donetsk and Luhansk. The pollution exacerbates respiratory illnesses, particularly in urban areas, while also contributing to short-term warming.
Soil and Water Pollution
Heavy artillery, missile strikes, and bombardment have led to contamination of soil and water supplies in both rural and urban areas. Dangerous chemicals from munitions, fuel, and military equipment have seeped into the ground and water sources. A report from Ukraine's Ministry of Environmental Protection estimated that about 20% of Ukraine’s nature reserves have been damaged. Additionally, the agricultural land, which contributes significantly to the world’s grain supply, is now laced with unexploded ordnance and toxic residues.
This widespread environmental degradation has long-term implications for the region’s biodiversity and agricultural viability. These effects are likely to extend beyond the duration of the conflict, with ecosystems taking decades to recover.
Israel-Hamas Conflict: A Different Kind of Environmental Damage
In contrast, the Israel-Hamas war, particularly centered around Gaza, presents a different kind of environmental impact, focused more on urban destruction and water resources. As a densely populated region, Gaza has been subject to intense bombardment in recent escalations, resulting in severe air and water pollution.
Urban Destruction and Emissions
Gaza is a highly urbanized region, and the destruction of buildings, roads, and infrastructure leads to significant carbon emissions. When buildings collapse due to airstrikes, they release particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), which worsens air quality, causing respiratory illnesses among civilians. The situation in Gaza is exacerbated by the densely packed population, where open spaces are scarce, making the impact of air pollution more acute.
A 2023 report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) raised concerns about the levels of hazardous debris generated by the destruction in Gaza. The conflict has damaged wastewater treatment facilities and electrical infrastructure, which are already fragile due to years of conflict. The release of untreated sewage into the Mediterranean Sea presents another environmental threat, contaminating not only local waters but also the coastlines of neighboring countries like Israel and Egypt.
Water Scarcity
One of the gravest environmental concerns in Gaza is access to clean water. The conflict has further strained the region’s already scarce water resources. Destruction of water pipes and infrastructure has led to water contamination, forcing residents to rely on bottled water and untreated supplies. Prolonged damage to water resources could lead to further humanitarian and environmental crises in the region.
Satellite Data: Tracking the Environmental Impact
The role of satellite imagery and remote sensing in understanding the environmental effects of these wars is crucial. In the Ukraine-Russia conflict, satellite data has helped monitor fires, deforestation, and air quality changes. The ESA’s Sentinel-2 satellite and NASA’s MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) have been instrumental in capturing real-time data on emissions and damage to ecosystems.
For example, satellite images from early 2023 show the devastating impact on Ukraine’s forests and wetlands, particularly in regions near Kyiv and Kharkiv. These green spaces, critical for carbon sequestration and climate regulation, are now scarred with craters and remnants of military equipment.
Similarly, in the Gaza region, satellite data has provided crucial information on the urban destruction and changes to coastal ecosystems. Images from NASA’s Terra satellite have shown significant changes in land cover due to urban bombardment and damage to agricultural lands in southern Israel.
Climate Change and War: A Feedback Loop?
While war is a localized event, its environmental consequences ripple out globally. The degradation of ecosystems, loss of biodiversity, and increased carbon emissions can exacerbate climate change. In turn, climate change can create more volatile geopolitical conditions. Droughts, food insecurity, and resource shortages can increase tensions between nations or within regions, potentially sparking future conflicts.
For instance, the Arctic Circle—a region shared by Russia and Ukraine’s ally Belarus—has seen accelerated warming due to greenhouse gas emissions. As the Arctic melts, new shipping routes and untapped resources are becoming available, further intensifying geopolitical competition.
Global Implications and the Way Forward
Both the Ukraine-Russia war and the Israel-Hamas conflict illustrate that war has far-reaching consequences beyond human and political dimensions. Environmental degradation, fueled by the destruction of natural resources and emissions from warfare, is contributing to a worsening climate crisis.
While satellites provide a crucial window into these changes, much more needs to be done to mitigate the damage. International organizations must integrate environmental recovery into post-conflict reconstruction efforts, with a focus on restoring ecosystems and reducing emissions. Moreover, as climate change increasingly becomes a trigger for conflict, it’s imperative that global leaders prioritize sustainability and climate resilience in their security strategies.
In conclusion, the environment often becomes the silent victim in times of war, and the consequences of such damage will shape the global climate for decades to come. Through the lens of climate change, the importance of peace not only becomes a matter of human survival but planetary health as well.
