It has now been over a month since the Middle East erupted in conflict. Since February 28, the Israeli-American strikes have plunged the region into a crisis with far-reaching consequences. Beyond the dramatic humanitarian situation and the energy and economic shock, ecosystems are also being shaken by the fighting. In a month, over 300 events involving environmental risks have been recorded by the Conflict and Environment Observatory. In just fourteen days, operations reportedly emitted around 5 million tons of greenhouse gas. Over a year, this would be equivalent to the combined emissions of the 84 least emitting countries in the world, according to an analysis by the Climate and Community Institute. In Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon, or Iran, where international law is violated, the destruction of the environment is not just a side effect of military operations, but a weapon like any other.
Photo/illustration credits at the top of the page: Morgane Sabouret / Margaux Simon
