Modern warfare has a profound environmental impact, particularly through the release of greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases contribute to climate change and have long-lasting effects on ecosystems and human health. While the immediate destruction caused by war is often the principal focus, the environmental cost, especially in terms of carbon emissions, is a significantly overlooked consequence.
One of the main sources of emissions during warfare is the fuel consumed by military vehicles, aircraft, and naval ships. Tanks, trucks, and other military vehicles burn large amounts of fuel, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Fighter jets consume even more fuel with a single fighter jet burning up to 2,000 gallons of fuel per hour, resulting in several tons of carbon dioxide released per mission. Naval ships, including warships and submarines, can burn tens of thousands of gallons of fuel each day, adding further to the carbon footprint of military operations.
In addition to fuel consumption, bombing campaigns, missile strikes, and artillery also generate greenhouse gases. Explosives, which often contain hydrocarbons, release carbon dioxide when detonated. The destruction of infrastructure, such as power plants, oil refineries, and factories, leads to even higher emissions, especially when these facilities burn fossil fuels. The burning of oil fields and the destruction of energy facilities can release vast amounts of carbon dioxide, and the environmental damage can persist for months or even years after the conflict ends.
One of the most extreme examples of military-related emissions occurred during the Gulf War, when retreating Iraqi forces set fire to Kuwaiti oil wells. At the peak of these fires, it’s estimated that burning oil wells released up to 1.2 million tons of CO2 per day. This catastrophic release of carbon lasted for several months, becoming one of the largest single sources of emissions in history. The environmental damage from the fires is still felt in the region today, demonstrating the immense environmental costs of war and how the best option in the realm of military strategy often completely ignores the cons in other categories.
Globally, the military sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. A 2019 study from Al Jazeera estimated that the US military accounts for about 5-6% of global emissions, which is more than entire nations like Denmark and Portugal produce. This places the military among the world’s largest sources of carbon emissions, demonstrating the environmental cost of maintaining a military presence.
While it is difficult to determine exact daily emissions during conflicts, estimates suggest that large-scale military operations can release anywhere from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand tons of carbon dioxide per day. This includes emissions from fuel consumption, bombing campaigns, and the destruction of oil infrastructure.
The environmental impact of warfare goes beyond just greenhouse gases. The destruction of ecosystems, pollution of water sources, soil contamination, and the loss of biodiversity all contribute to the lasting damage caused by conflict. As the world faces the growing challenge of climate change, it is essential to factor in the environmental costs of warfare. The significant carbon emissions and long-term environmental damage highlight the need for more sustainable military practices and stronger protections for the environment in times of conflict. Wars aren’t supposed to last, but our Earth is and it is crucial that further measures are taken to preserve it.
