The Environmental Consequences of War
11/8/2023
| Growing up in the Middle East, I have a distinct memory of being at the beach when my siblings and I rescued a large vulture covered in oil. In early 1991 more than 800 oil wells were blown up in the Gulf War. Of those 800 wells, more than 600 caught fire and about 50 wells gushed oil onto the ground. Majority of the Saudi Arabian shoreline was contaminated with massive amounts of petroleum hydrocarbons from spills. The environmental consequences of this conflict were devastating to say the least. (Linden, O., Jerneloev, A., & Egerup, J. (2004). The Environmental Impacts of the Gulf War 1991. IIASA Interim Report. IIASA, Laxenburg, Austria: IR-04-019) In 2001, the United Nations declared November 6th as the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict. On this day, the international community comes together to raise awareness about the dire consequences of environmental exploitation during times of war and to call for the protection of our planet in times of strife. In the 22 years since the establishment of International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, the impact and exploitation of the environment during war has gained global recognition. Though it is acknowledged, the issues are far from solved. Current conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war, instability in South Sudan, disputes in the South China Sea, and the Israel-Palestine war continue to wreak havoc on the environment. “Though humanity has always counted its war casualties in terms of dead and wounded soldiers and civilians, destroyed cities and livelihoods, the environment has often remained the unpublicized victim of war. Water wells have been polluted, crops torched, forests cut down, soils poisoned, and animals killed to gain military advantage.” – The United Nations Webpage The International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict serves as a reminder of the responsibility of all nations to respect international laws and conventions that aim to safeguard the environment during times of strife. The Geneva Conventions and other relevant agreements contain provisions that prohibit the destruction of the environment as a means of warfare, and it is crucial that these commitments are upheld. Environmental organizations, peacekeepers, and humanitarian workers play an instrumental role in mitigating the environmental impact of armed conflicts. They work tirelessly to address the ecological fallout and provide support to affected communities. These efforts are crucial in fostering a more sustainable and peaceful future for conflict-ridden regions. In conclusion, the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict serves as a vital reminder of the interconnectedness of environmental protection, peace, and security. By upholding international agreements, promoting sustainable practices, and supporting the communities affected by armed conflicts, we can work towards a world where the environment is safeguarded even in the darkest of times. It is a day to reaffirm our commitment to a planet that remains resilient and vibrant, even in the face of adversity. |
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