The ongoing conflict involving Iran is exacerbating the climate crisis in the Middle East, deepening existing vulnerabilities and threatening to displace populations due to scarcity of water, energy, and food. The war's environmental toll includes significant greenhouse gas emissions, compounding the region's long-term climate pressures.
In its initial two weeks, the conflict reportedly generated five million tons of carbon dioxide emissions, a figure exceeding the combined annual emissions of 84 countries. These emissions stem from various sources, including the destruction of infrastructure, burning of fuel reserves, operational fuel consumption, the carbon footprint of military equipment, and the production and deployment of missiles and drones. Future reconstruction efforts are also projected to contribute further to emissions.
These environmental impacts occur amidst a global "great aid recession," where eight of the ten largest humanitarian donors have reduced funding since 2022. This funding decrease leaves populations more susceptible to tensions over essential resources. The increased vulnerability heightens the risk of displacement, particularly affecting refugees, farmers, and women. The war's environmental consequences are contributing to a reality where parts of the region may become increasingly dangerous and nearly uninhabitable.