Wars are not limited to human losses and material destruction. They also generate significant environmental costs, the effects of which can persist for years, even decades. Explosions, heavy weapons, gas emissions, and chemicals contribute to the long-term degradation of ecosystems and exacerbate climate disruptions. In this context, the ongoing war against Iran could have a major impact, particularly due to the targeting of energy and oil installations.
In an interview with 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 that have direct environmental effects.
Weapons with lasting 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, particularly in the Basra region, where they have contributed to the destruction of millions of palm trees. Iraq is said to have 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 emphasizes that the current war, marked by the use of bombs, missiles, and advanced military technologies, could have a significant environmental impact, especially due to the targeting of oil and gas fields.
The destruction of refineries and energy installations could result in the massive release of greenhouse gases. When they burn, these installations 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, especially surface waters.
Pollution, acid rain, and water stress
Houcine Rhili also warns of the indirect consequences of conflicts on natural cycles. In several war-affected countries like Iraq or Syria, precipitation has been affected by air pollution, leading to acid rain.
He adds that the continuation of hostilities could also affect seawater desalination plants, especially in Gulf countries, where these infrastructure are an essential source of drinking water. Any damage would have serious implications for 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 profoundly affected agriculture and biodiversity, particularly palm tree cultivation.
Soil degradation, groundwater pollution, and contamination of the food chain pose lasting threats that not only affect ecosystems but also human health.
Faced with these challenges, the expert calls for an awareness of the environmental impacts of conflicts, often underestimated but whose consequences can be irreversible.
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