The pollution that outlives war
War has lasting environmental impacts that often go unrecognized. Toxic pollution from conflicts can contaminate air, water, and soil, posing health risks long after fighting ceases. Recent conflicts, such as in Iran and Ukraine, illustrate the severe and enduring consequences of war-related pollution.
- ▪Pollution caused by war can settle over cities and contaminate water and soil.
- ▪The ongoing war in Ukraine has created a toxic legacy with widespread environmental harm.
- ▪Military emissions contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions but are often excluded from climate accounting.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
OPINIONOPINION, Opinion|US-Israel war on IranThe pollution that outlives warLong after fighting is over, the toxic leftovers of war continue to poison communities and the environment.By Felix HorneFelix Horne is a Horn of Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch.Published On 23 May 202623 May 2026ListenListen (6 mins)SaveClick here to share on social mediashare-nodesSharefacebookxwhatsapp-strokecopylinkgoogleAdd Al Jazeera on GoogleinfoA satellite image shows a likely oil spill covering dozens of square kilometres near Iran's Kharg Island, May 6, 2026 [European Union/Copernicus Sentinel-2/Handout via Reuters]War is measured first in lives lost, families uprooted and neighbourhoods reduced to rubble. But there are also deadly consequences that are often ignored.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Al Jazeera English.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Al Jazeera English
