Rising Environmental Impact of Conflict in Middle East
CISR
This headline is brought to you by the Center for International Stabilization and Recovery (CISR) which works to support resilience and recovery in global communities affected by war and conflict.
(CEOBS) Conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, Israel, and Yemen have severely impacted the environment, degrading ecosystems and infrastructure. In Gaza, over 42 million tonnes of debris, contaminated with hazardous materials, pose significant health risks. Water systems are near collapse, leading to widespread contamination and disease. Agricultural land is also devastated, with 67% of cropland damaged by shelling and military activity. In Lebanon, Hezbollah's increased rocket attacks have led to widespread destruction of agricultural land. Israel’s domestic environment is suffering, with combat operations further weakening environmental governance.
These environmental crises are worsened by the effects of climate change, which threatens the region’s sustainability. In Yemen, Houthi attacks on shipping have led to significant pollution in the Red Sea, while Israeli retaliations have caused damage to critical infrastructure. Throughout the region, military activities are not only damaging ecosystems but also threatening public health, further complicating efforts to achieve regional security and environmental sustainability.
