WAR, GEOPOLITICS & ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT “WAR AND CARBON EMISSIONS: THE HIDDEN COST

 

WAR, GEOPOLITICS & ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

“WAR AND CARBON EMISSIONS: THE HIDDEN COST

ERUM Z QURESHI (Mentee)

Dr Pratima Mishra (Mentor)
associate professor
HGM AZAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

When we discuss the costs of war, the conversation usually centres on the immediate humanitarian crisis and economic devastation. However, the environmental toll—specifically the massive surge in carbon emissions—is a profound "hidden cost" that persists long after the fighting stops.

​The relationship between military conflict and climate change is a feedback loop: war accelerates environmental degradation, and environmental scarcity often fuels future conflict.    

Sulfur dioxide releases, which cause lung-damaging health effects, jumped by more than 18%.

This is the 2^nd largest increase in sulfur dioxide emissions since the EPA started publishing this data 30 years ago.

 

 

​1. The Carbon Bootprint of Militaries

​National militaries are among the world's largest consumers of fossil fuels. If the world’s militaries were a single country, they would likely have the fourth-highest carbon footprint on Earth.

​Fuel Intensity: Modern warfare relies on heavymachinery. A standard jet fighter or a main battle tank consumes more fuel in a few hours than an average passenger car does in several years.

​Logistics Chains: Moving troops, equipment, and supplies across the globe requires a massive, energy-intensive infrastructure of ships, planes, and trucks.

​The Accountability Gap: Under current international climate agreements (like the Paris Agreement), military emissions reporting is often voluntary or excluded for "national security" reasons, making the true cost difficult to quantify.

​2. Immediate Emissions from Combat

​The active theater of war creates a sudden, massive spike in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through:

​Fires and Explosions: Artillery strikes on oil refineries, fuel depots, and chemical plants cause uncontrolled fires that release millions of tons of CO_2 and toxic particulate matter into the atmosphere.

​Landscape Alteration: Deforestation for tactical purposes or the destruction of carbon sinks (like peatlands and forests) releases stored carbon andprevents future sequestration.

​3. The "Gray" Carbon of Reconstruction

​The most significant long-term carbon cost often comes after the peace treaties are signed. Rebuilding entire cities is an incredibly carbon-intensive process:

​Concrete and Steel: The production of cement and steel are two of the most carbon-heavy industries. Replacing destroyed high-rises, bridges, and roads requires a massive "carbon debt" to be paid.

​Waste Management: Clearing millions of tons of rubble—often contaminated with hazardous materials—requires significant energy and transportation.

​Summary of Impact

Phase                                                Primary Carbon Driver                                                                   Long Term Effect

Preparation                                     Military-industrial manufacturing                                              High baseline emissions

Active Conflict                                Fuel consumption & infrastructure fires                                   Rapid atmospheric spikes

Post-War                                         Concrete & steel production                                       Decades of “reconstruction “emissions

The Paradox

​While nations strive to transition to green energy, the outbreak of conflict often forces a return to "security at any cost," frequently resulting in a pivot back to coal and oil to ensure energy independence. This suggests that peace is not just a humanitarian necessity, but a fundamental requirement for meeting global climate targets.