Today, Nov. 6, the world observes the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict.
The observance was established in 2001 through a resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly to serve as a passionate reminder of the often overlooked victim of war — our environment. This is why the occasion is important as it serves to highlight the environmental toll of warfare.
As conflicts rage, focus has always been on human casualties and damage to infrastructure. Often forgotten is the environment that also suffers devastating consequences — from polluted water sources to scorched forests and poisoned soils.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in its reports earlier noted that in the last 60 years, at least 40 percent of internal conflicts have been linked to the exploitation of natural resources. Recognizing this, the observance aims to integrate environmental protection into conflict prevention, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding strategies.
This is why it is vital for the global community to observe this day to raise awareness about the environmental impacts of war and encourage nations to adopt more sustainable practices. International cooperation on this issue can lead to better management of shared resources, fostering global stability and security.
To prevent the exploitation of the environment, nations must strengthen environmental laws, especially in conflict zones; promote sustainable resource management in agriculture, forestry, and mining to reduce resource-related conflicts; enhance monitoring and reporting of environmental impacts during conflicts and ensure transparency; support international agreements aimed at environmental protection and conflict prevention; and investing in peacebuilding through initiatives that include environmental restoration and sustainable development.
With the advent of climate change, protecting the environment during conflicts is more crucial than ever. Climate change exacerbates resource scarcity, leading to increased competition and potential conflicts. By safeguarding natural resources, we can mitigate some of the drivers of conflict and build resilience against climate impacts.
Failing to protect the environment in times of conflict can have dire consequences. Polluted water sources, degraded lands, and destroyed ecosystems can lead to long-term health issues, food insecurity, and economic instability. The loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services can hinder recovery efforts and prolong the suffering of affected communities. In worst cases, environmental degradation can trigger further conflicts, creating a vicious cycle of violence and destruction.
Just look back at some samples of the environment being victims of war or conflicts as noted in the UN Environment Programme report. The use of Agent Orange by the United States military during the Vietnam War led to massive deforestation and long-term soil and water contamination. In the Gulf War in the 1990s, setting fire to over 600 oil wells in Kuwait by retreating Iraqi forces caused extensive air and soil pollution. In the Kosovo Conflict, also in the 1990s, bombing of industrial sites resulted in toxic chemical contamination, particularly in areas like Pančevo and Novi Sad. In the Lebanon-Israel Conflict in the 2000s, the bombing of the Jiyeh power station released thousands of tons of fuel oil into the Mediterranean Sea. In the Iraq Conflict in 2000s, ISIL militants set fire to oil wells, releasing toxic pollutants into the air and causing severe environmental damage. These samples underscore the importance of international efforts to protect the environment in times of war or conflict.
By recognizing the environment as a victim of war and taking concrete actions to safeguard it, we can promote peace, stability, and sustainable development. As we face the growing challenges of climate change, this observance reminds us that protecting our environment is a necessity, whether in war or in peacetime.