War's devastation extends beyond immediate human casualties and infrastructural destruction; it has enduring effects on the environment and public health. The ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine illustrate this grim reality, with long-term consequences that will impact these regions for decades. And the human toll can last a lifetime, an invisible cost due to the mental trauma of war.
Environmental Pollution from War
Wars in Gaza and Ukraine have caused significant environmental pollution, exacerbated by the destruction of infrastructure, the use of heavy weaponry, and the disruption of basic services.
Destruction of Infrastructure: The bombing and shelling of industrial areas, oil depots, and water treatment plants release harmful chemicals and pollutants into the air, soil, and water. In Gaza, damaged sewage systems have led to untreated waste contaminating the Mediterranean Sea, while in Ukraine, the shelling of industrial zones has resulted in chemical spills and fires, releasing toxins into the environment.
Explosive Remnants and Debris: Unexploded ordnance (UXO) and landmines pose persistent risks, contaminating vast areas of land. These remnants not only pose direct physical threats but also leach toxic substances into the soil and groundwater, impacting agriculture and water supplies.
Air and Water Pollution: The destruction of infrastructure often leads to uncontrolled fires and chemical releases, polluting the air with particulate matter and toxic fumes. Water sources become contaminated with heavy metals, fuel, and other hazardous substances, rendering them unsafe for consumption and agricultural use.
Healthcare Impact
The environmental damage caused by war leads to severe long-term health issues that include biological damage on a cellular level for the affected populations. Among the most concerning are:
Respiratory and Cardiovascular Diseases: Air pollution from fires and explosions increases the incidence of respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Long-term exposure to polluted air also heightens the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Cancer: Prolonged exposure to toxic substances released during conflict, such as heavy metals, radioactive materials, and carcinogenic chemicals, significantly raises the risk of various cancers. In regions with heavy bombardment, such as Gaza and parts of Ukraine, increased rates of lung, skin, and gastrointestinal cancers have been observed.
Birth Defects and Reproductive Health Issues: Environmental contaminants can have teratogenic effects, leading to an increase in birth defects and reproductive health problems. In conflict zones, pregnant women exposed to polluted water and soil are at higher risk of miscarriages, stillbirths, and congenital anomalies in their children.
Mental Health Disorders: The trauma of living in a warzone, compounded by the stress of health and environmental hazards, leads to a high prevalence of mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, suicide, drug abuse and anxiety.
Watch Video Gaza War Pollution Impact on Health and Climate ...
Cost of Rebuilding and Cleanup
The financial burden of rebuilding and cleaning up after war is enormous. In Gaza and Ukraine, the costs are staggering:
Rebuilding Infrastructure: Reconstructing homes, schools, hospitals, and essential services is a massive financial undertaking. Estimates suggest that rebuilding Gaza could cost over $5 billion, while in Ukraine, the World Bank has projected reconstruction costs to exceed $411 billion with a total calculation around $425 billion needed for both Gaza and Ukraine.
Debris Cleanup: Removing rubble and debris is a complex and hazardous task, especially when dealing with UXOs and hazardous materials. The cost of debris removal in Gaza is estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars, while in Ukraine, cleanup operations could exceed $10 billion. And the danger of landmines may last for decades in the country.
Environmental Remediation: Cleaning polluted water sources, decontaminating soil, and restoring ecosystems require advanced technologies and substantial investment. Environmental remediation in war-torn areas like Gaza and Ukraine could additionally cost billions, considering the extent of pollution and environmental damage.
Healthcare Costs: Addressing the long-term health impacts of war demands significant investment in healthcare infrastructure, treatment facilities, and mental health services. The healthcare costs associated with treating war-related illnesses and conditions will continue to strain the economies of Gaza and Ukraine for years, perhaps even decades to come.
How Much CO2 Pollution Emitted in GAZA and Ukraine Wars?
Estimating the total CO2 emissions from the wars in Gaza and Ukraine involves considering various sources of emissions, including military operations, the destruction of infrastructure, and subsequent reconstruction efforts.
CO2 Emissions from the Gaza Conflict
Military Operations and Destruction:
The conflict has seen significant emissions from military activities and the destruction of buildings and infrastructure. For example, the Gaza Metro network of tunnels by Hamas and Israel's border defenses combined contribute approximately 450,000 tonnes of CO2 - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
The ongoing destruction of buildings releases large amounts of CO2 and other pollutants into the atmosphere. Additionally, fires resulting from explosions further contribute to CO2 emissions, although precise figures for these are difficult to determine.
Reconstruction Efforts:
Rebuilding Gaza, where 45% of buildings have been damaged or destroyed, is projected to incur a significant carbon cost. Estimates suggest that the reconstruction could result in emissions equivalent to around 30 million metric tonnes of CO2, comparable to the annual emissions of New Zealand - Middle East Environment
According to a report from the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT), 35% of all buildings in the Gaza Strip have been affected, with nearly 88,868 structures either damaged or destroyed. This includes 31,198 buildings that have been completely destroyed, 16,908 severely damaged, and 40,762 moderately damaged -
UNITAR
Similarly, the World Bank has reported that 45% of residential buildings in Gaza are ruined beyond repair, highlighting the extensive damage inflicted during the hostilities - The Times of Israel ... This widespread destruction has not only affected homes but also critical infrastructure, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Watch Video CO2 Pollution Emissions of Ukraine War ...
CO2 Emissions from the Ukraine Conflict
Military Operations and Destruction:
The conflict in Ukraine has similarly led to substantial emissions from military activities and the destruction of infrastructure. The use of heavy weaponry, tanks, and other military vehicles consumes large amounts of fossil fuels, contributing significantly to CO2 emissions.
The destruction of industrial facilities, oil depots, and residential buildings releases large quantities of CO2 and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Reconstruction Efforts:
Rebuilding efforts in Ukraine are projected to be extensive and costly. The World Bank estimates that reconstruction could cost over $411 billion to rebuild Ukraine alone. And it is clear that rebuilding will have a substantial carbon footprint due to the materials and energy required. It will take at least a decade or more to rebuild Ukraine once peace is achieved.
Combined Impact of Gaza and Ukraine
While exact figures for the total CO2 emissions from these conflicts are challenging to ascertain due to the complexities and ongoing nature of the wars, the combined emissions from military operations, destruction, and reconstruction in both Gaza and Ukraine are undoubtedly significant.
The rebuilding alone in Gaza could add around 30 million metric tonnes of CO2, while the extensive destruction and subsequent reconstruction in Ukraine could potentially contribute similarly high levels of emissions, if not double that amount around 60 million metric tonnes of CO2.
The environmental impact of the wars in Gaza and Ukraine extends far beyond immediate CO2 emissions. The long-term reconstruction efforts and the continued military activities have added to the cumulative greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating global climate change. Addressing these environmental costs will require significant international cooperation and investment in sustainable practices for rebuilding and recovery over the next 25 years.
Conclusion
The long-term environmental and healthcare impacts of war in Gaza and Ukraine underscore the urgent need for comprehensive and sustained international support. Addressing these challenges requires not only financial investment but also innovative approaches to rebuilding, environmental cleanup, and healthcare provision. The human and ecological toll of these conflicts is a stark reminder of the enduring legacy of war, necessitating a global commitment to peace and recovery.
About Author
James E Dean - Director, ABV ... We're all about creating A Safe Place to Learn, Share Ideas and Discovery in our Connected World. James loves to read, engage in learning, discuss ideas and research new solutions. Mr. Dean brings over 35 years of experience across a wide range of industries worldwide. He is considered by many to be a leading expert in the energy sector, retail eCommerce, brand marketing and AI technology. Currently, he is working on several big projects involving Digital Content Networks and Tokenized Asset eCommerce Programming. J Dean is a frequent Blogger, and graduate of Boston University. He enjoys collecting antiques and memorbilla, studying history, travel adventures and fitness. Inquiry: Message Contact Form
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