The escalating US-Israel war on Iran is raising serious concerns among climate experts, with growing warnings that the environmental cost of the conflict may be “incompatible with a liveable planet.” As strikes intensify across energy infrastructure and military targets, the environmental fallout is emerging as a critical but often overlooked consequence of the war.
Recent assessments indicate that attacks on oil refineries, fuel depots, and gas facilities are releasing massive quantities of greenhouse gases and toxic pollutants into the atmosphere. Explosions and fires at such sites emit carbon dioxide along with harmful substances like sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carcinogenic particles, significantly worsening air quality and contributing to global warming.
Experts warn that the scale of emissions linked to modern warfare is substantial. In previous conflicts, emissions from military activity and reconstruction have exceeded the annual carbon output of entire countries. Similar patterns are now being observed in the Iran conflict, where repeated strikes on fossil fuel infrastructure are compounding environmental damage.
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Beyond emissions, the war is also causing widespread ecological degradation on the ground. Missile strikes and bombardments have generated large volumes of hazardous debris, contaminated water sources, and damaged soil quality. In some cases, attacks on oil storage facilities have led to the release of tens of thousands of tonnes of greenhouse gases and toxic substances into urban environments, pushing air pollution to dangerous levels.
The environmental impact is not limited to direct strikes. Disruptions to global shipping routes—particularly around key chokepoints—are forcing vessels to take longer routes, increasing fuel consumption and emissions. At the same time, large-scale military deployments involving fighter jets, naval fleets, and heavy artillery are adding to the carbon footprint, further intensifying climate pressures.
Scientists also caution that the long-term consequences could be severe and persistent. Damage to ecosystems, biodiversity, and water systems may take decades to recover, if at all. The accumulation of pollutants in semi-enclosed regions like the Persian Gulf is especially concerning, as limited water circulation can trap toxins and amplify their impact on marine life and coastal populations.
Despite these risks, military emissions are often underreported in global climate frameworks, as reporting remains voluntary under international agreements. This lack of transparency means that the true environmental cost of conflicts like the US-Israel war on Iran may be significantly underestimated.As the conflict continues, experts are urging policymakers to recognise the climate dimension of warfare alongside its humanitarian and geopolitical consequences. The warning that such conflicts are “incompatible with a liveable planet” underscores the growing consensus that environmental sustainability cannot be separated from global security decisions.
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