6 November marks the 23rd annual International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict. Declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2001, this day was created to remember the environmental consequences of war, whether that be on wildlife, plants, or even water and food sources.
The natural environment is fundamental to sustaining human life, yet it is still such a frequent victim of war. Although international humanitarian law forbids intentional attacks against the natural environment (unless it has become a military objective), the International Committee of the Red Cross states that 80% of conflicts take place in biodiversity hotspots. Therefore, a multitude of consequences for the environment can occur, including deforestation and a loss of biodiversity.
This year, an important example to highlight is Gaza. In June, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director reported that:
“Not only are the people of Gaza dealing with untold suffering from the ongoing war, the significant and growing environmental damage in Gaza risks locking its people into a painful, long recovery. While many questions remain regarding the exact type and quantity of contaminants affecting the environment in Gaza, people are already living with the consequences of conflict-related damage to environmental management systems and pollution today. Water and sanitation have collapsed. Critical infrastructure continues to be decimated. Coastal areas, soil and ecosystems have been severely impacted. All of this is deeply harming people’s health, food security and Gaza’s resilience.”
The UNEP’s report goes on to describe the environmental costs of the conflict which include but are not limited to: all five wastewater treatment plants being destroyed, contaminating beaches, coastal waters, soil, and freshwater; the destruction of solar panels leaking lead into soil and water; the generation of 39 million tonnes of debris since the start of the conflict and the burning of fuels, lowering air quality across the region. The authors of the report have made it clear that the recovery and future protection of the environment is crucial in the rebuilding of Gaza and the whole State of Palestine. Furthermore, their strategies for remediation will be discussed with Palestinian civil society and researchers amongst many others.
International humanitarian law also forbids the intentional use of the natural environment as a weapon in conflicts. A notable example of this was in 1991 when Saddam Hussein’s forces set fire to over 700 oil wells in Kuwait and 11 million barrels of oil were poured into the Persian Gulf. The smoke caused by the burning could be seen up to 800km away and the pooling of oil caused unprecedented damage to the soil quality and causing the deaths of birds and other wildlife. This disaster has been argued to have been “one of the world’s worst environmental catastrophes” with it still having a multitude of effects on Kuwait even over 30 years later despite the efforts of local communities.
International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict serves as an important reminder of how critical the natural environment is for humans and wildlife alike on a day-to-day basis. In Wales, we are privileged to be able to live in a society free from violent conflict and warfare, however, there are always opportunities to create good changes for the environment. The UNEP links the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and 13: Climate Action to the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict. Small but consistent changes to our lifestyles and mentalities can have an immense impact on our natural environment and overall society. Climate Cymru also have the environment at the heart of their mission and provide lots of resources to help us develop our environmental consciousness in Wales and the United Kingdom more widely.
If you would like the opportunity to hear first-hand from those involved in protecting climate and biodiversity in the midst of conflict, Climate Cymru are hosting the event ‘The Place of Climate Justice in Adapting to Our Changing Climate’ on 13 November 2024 during Wales Climate Week. To learn more about this event and register click here. Or The Welsh Centre for International Affairs (WCIA) & Academi Heddwch Cymru are proud to host a conversation with Professor Mazin Qumsiyeh, Palestinian scientist, author and Director of the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability on Friday 15 November. To learn more about this event and register click here.
Further resources & Links:
Wales for Peace in Israel and Palestine: Call for Ceasefire
Globally Responsible Wales
How nature is protected during conflict? | The Laws Of War | ICRC
Fighting without a Planet B: how IHL protects the natural environment in armed conflicts
What is the link between climate change and conflict?
United Nations International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict
https://www.un.org/en/observances/environment-in-war-protection-day
Written by WCIA volunteer Emma Lee