The Environmental Toll of Conflict and War
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.
(United Nations) With over 170 armed conflicts recorded in 2023, the impact of war reaches beyond human suffering to severe environmental damage. Nearly 120 million people face displacement, while ecosystems are destabilized, vital resources depleted, and pollution spreads across affected regions. The International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict emphasizes the urgent need to address these issues. In Ukraine, land contamination from explosives threatens soil and water resources, with clearance costs projected at $34.6 billion.
In Gaza, damaged infrastructure has led to increased diseases and environmental degradation. Military activities also contribute 5.5% of global greenhouse emissions, exacerbating climate challenges. Conflicts involving natural resources, like mining in the Congo, fuel both violence and ecological destruction. Addressing the environmental impact of war requires a global response, focused on remediation, sustainable resource management, and minimizing future harm.
