Baku, Azerbaijan — As the United Nations convenes for its pivotal COP29 conference on global climate change, environmental activists are raising alarms about the hidden costs of ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the West Asia region. These wars, they argue, are not only leading to tragic loss of life and infrastructure but are also exacerbating the world’s climate crisis through a significant increase in carbon emissions. On the first day of the conference, held in the capital city of Baku, demonstrators gathered to call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, highlighting the urgent need to address the surge in greenhouse gas emissions linked to warfare. The conflict in West Asia, which erupted on October 7 of last year as Israel engaged in military operations against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, has been particularly concerning.
Meanwhile, the war between Russia and Ukraine has now persisted for three years, resulting in devastating casualties and destruction. While the human toll and material devastation of these conflicts have dominated headlines, the environmental impact has garnered less attention. At the conference, various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) paid tribute to the victims of the Gaza conflict, urging global leaders to exert pressure on Israel to end the violence. "The cycle of war is undoubtedly increasing global emissions of greenhouse gases and undermining our ability to respond proactively and decisively to the climate crisis," an NGO representative stated. Research indicates that the Russia-Ukraine war alone has resulted in the emission of approximately 17.5 million tons of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases over its initial two years, a figure that accounts for emissions stemming from both military actions and reconstruction efforts.
In addition, estimates suggest that the conflict in West Asia has released at least another 50 million tons of greenhouse gases. Climate researchers assert that the combined emissions from these two wars are comparable to the annual emissions of entire countries such as Ukraine, Italy, or Poland. As the COP29 conference progresses, experts emphasize the need to integrate climate considerations into discussions surrounding warfare. "Wars cause a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions," said Leonard de Klerk, a climate researcher. "This increase is due not only to explosions but also to the energy-intensive military supply chains that are essential to sustain armed conflict." The calls for action at COP29 reflect a growing recognition that addressing climate change and managing global security are intrinsically linked. As the world grapples with the aftermath of these ongoing wars, the need for sustainable solutions has never been more pressing.
