Archive · 5 Jun 2025
Wars Intensify Climate Crisis, Damaging Ecosystems Globally
Wars around the world are making the climate crisis worse.
When countries fight, it causes pollution, damages land, and harms nature.
For example, oil well fires in Kuwait and the recent conflict in Gaza have caused big environmental problems.
Militaries also use a lot of fuel, adding to pollution.
Damaged areas need to be rebuilt, which is also bad for the climate.
Experts are calling for new rules to protect the environment during conflicts, including cleaning up damage and reducing pollution from the military.
The idea is to make sure that the planet is protected even during wars.
Armed conflicts are intensifying the climate crisis.
Oil well fires, like in Kuwait, caused environmental damage.
Conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza have led to habitat destruction.
Militaries account for 5.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Experts advocate for environmental peacebuilding initiatives.
- Who
- All involved in armed conflicts, with militaries being significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- What
- Armed conflicts are accelerating environmental collapse, with impacts including oil fires, debris, and destruction of ecosystems.
- When
- Ongoing, with examples from the 1991 Gulf War and the 2023-24 conflict.
- Where
- Global conflict zones, including Kuwait, Ukraine, and Gaza.
- Why
- Wars lead to environmental destruction through pollution, habitat damage, and destabilized natural systems, exacerbating climate change.
- Military's share of global greenhouse gas emissions
- 5.5%
- U.S. Department of Defense's contribution to national emissions
- 1%
- Debris generated by Israel's 2023-24 offensive
- 39 million tonnes
- Percentage of modern conflicts linked to natural resource disputes
- 40%
- Global military spending in 2024
- $2.4 trillion