Of course, war can be understood in terms of its immediate human cost, but its impact on the environment can be equally significant and in many ways long-lasting. Beyond the direct damage caused on the battlefield, war can be understood as a force that changes the air we breathe and the rain that falls from the sky. From oil fires that bring darkness in the middle of the day to chemicals that alter rainfall, the impact of war on weather can be volatile, and it’s not just random chance: explosions, burns, and chemicals can affect weather in very real ways, and understanding this can help us understand war not only as a political phenomenon, but also as an ecological phenomenon.
How war causes ‘acid rain’
One of the most impactful ways warfare impacts weather is the creation of acid rain. It is caused by munitions, explosions and fires that release gases such as sulfur dioxide (SOâ‚‚) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere. When these gases mix with water vapor, they produce sulfuric and nitric acids, which fall back to the ground as acid rain. According to scientific studies conducted by Sec. Environmental policy and governance on pollution caused by war, “Emitted NOx and SOâ‚‚ gases…contribute to acid rain and environmental degradation.” This means that areas with heavy combat activity are likely to experience this weather phenomenon. Acid rain has negative effects on the environment, such as damaging trees, rivers and animals. It also has negative effects on humans, especially when it occurs in the form of dense fog, which causes irritation to the eyes and lungs. This is a phenomenon of the war season which is going to be calm and long lasting.
Toxic fog and ‘black sky’ in conflict areas
War can also result in dense, noxious fog that acts as an artificial form of weather. As reported by the United Nations, a compelling case of this was observed in Iraq, where burning oil wells produced thick smoke that filled the atmosphere, resulting in a “fog of war” that “obscures the sun” and covers the area in thick soot.In some cases, fires resulting from the use of chemicals can produce large amounts of pollutants. During one such event, thousands of tons of sulfur dioxide were released into the atmosphere on a daily basis, resulting in the formation of harmful gases that mixed with moisture present in the atmosphere.Such conditions not only affect visibility; They also affect temperature, sun exposure, and atmospheric quality, changing the microclimate of the area.
Chemical warfare and atmospheric pollution
Contemporary warfare has also seen more complex changes in the environment, including the use of chemicals and industrial damage. Chemicals used during warfare can remain in the air, ground, and water and slowly seep into the atmosphere through the process of evaporation. Based on the environmental research mentioned earlier, war contributes to the “widespread use of hazardous substances, chemicals, and heavy metals that pollute” the environment. These chemicals can travel through the air and mix with clouds, affecting the nature of rainfall.Sometimes, chemicals fall into water and eventually return to the atmosphere, creating a cycle of pollution. A study conducted on the Tigris River by Germany’s University of Stuttgart at the time of the conflict recorded dangerous levels of hazardous chemicals, including heavy metals, which exceeded WHO standards.
Long-term climate and environmental impacts
Although war may not immediately change the world’s climate, the impact of war on the environment can be devastating. This is because war destroys the environment by clearing ecosystems and polluting the air and water. This disrupts the ecosystem and makes it difficult for nature to maintain the balance needed for the ecosystem to thrive. This means that war can change the climate through its effects on the environment. In this regard, war not only destroys the environment; Due to this the weather also changes.War can change the weather by affecting the environment. It may not be visible to everyone, but its impact is felt by everyone. This is because war can change the climate by polluting the environment. This can be seen through the acid rain falling on the environment and the formation of dense fog falling on the environment. This means that war can change the climate by polluting the environment. This is an important factor to consider because it shows the effects of war on the environment.
