Environment and Armed Conflicts: An Expert Explains Hidden Stakes [Video]

Wars are not just about human losses and material destruction. They also generate considerable environmental costs, the effects of which can persist for years or even decades. Explosions, heavy weapons, gas emissions, and chemical substances contribute to lasting degradation of ecosystems and exacerbate climate disruptions. In this context, the ongoing war against Iran could have a major impact, especially due to the targeting of energy and oil installations.

In a statement to Tunisie Numérique, researcher specializing in development and natural resource management, Houcine Rhili, explained that armed conflicts generally involve the use of dangerous materials, missiles, and explosives with direct repercussions on the environment.

Weapons with Persistent Ecological Effects

According to Houcine Rhili, the use of internationally banned weapons, especially those containing depleted uranium, has left deep traces in countries like Iraq. He points out that these weapons have had major consequences, especially in the Basra region, where they contributed to the destruction of millions of palm trees. Iraq reportedly lost over 7 million palm trees due to the cumulative effects of war and pollution.

Energy Installations at the Heart of Climate Risks

The researcher highlights that the current war, marked by the use of bombs, missiles, and advanced military technologies, risks having a significant environmental impact, especially due to the targeting of oil and gas fields.

The destruction of refineries and energy installations could result in massive greenhouse gas emissions. When these installations burn, they release significant amounts of carbon dioxide and methane, two gases strongly implicated in global warming. These emissions also contribute to air pollution and threaten water resources, particularly surface waters.

Pollution, Acid Rain, and Water Stress

Houcine Rhili also warns about the indirect consequences of conflicts on natural cycles. In several war-affected countries like Iraq or Syria, precipitation has been affected by atmospheric pollution, leading to acid rain.

He adds that the continuation of hostilities could also affect seawater desalination plants, especially in Gulf countries, where these infrastructures are an essential source of drinking water. Damage to them would have serious consequences on water resource availability.

Long-Term Effects on Soils and Biodiversity

Finally, Houcine Rhili emphasizes that the use of chemical and explosive weapons has long-term consequences on soils, air, and precipitation cycles. In Iraq, these phenomena have deeply affected agriculture and biodiversity, particularly date palm cultivation.

Soil degradation, groundwater pollution, and contamination of the food chain pose long-lasting threats, affecting not only ecosystems but also human health.

Faced with these challenges, the expert calls for awareness of the environmental impacts of conflicts, often underestimated but whose consequences can be irreversible.

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