The endless war: the long-term impact on health and environment of armed conflicts

The impact of present and past wars on the environment is significant and multifaceted. Direct effects of warfare include contamination of air, water and soil as well as damages to infrastructure. On the other hand, indirect effects on ecosystems include long-lasting detrimental impacts on natural resources, agriculture, forests, wildlife and, eventually, human life quality. The psychological effects of war on populations can also have indirect negative effects on the environment. It is therefore important to recognize the impact of military operations on the environment and to take steps to prevent or, at least, mitigate these effects, investing in environmental protection and conservation efforts, identifying deliberate crimes against the environment as well as promoting peace and conflict resolution. In times where being responsible and being accountable of our actions is an unavoidable duty, international rules are required to safeguard the environment during and after armed conflicts and to consider environmental crimes as relevant as crimes against humankind.