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Study of the environmental impact of war focuses on the modernization of warfare and its increasing effects on the environment. Scorched earth methods have been used for much of recorded history. However, the methods of modern warfare cause far greater devastation on the environment .
Defoliants had destroyed around 7,700 square miles of forests, estimating to be around 6% of the total land in Vietnam. The effects of Agent Orange persisted after the war, and lead to Vietnam's forest cover declining by 50% in the years during the war and after, reaching an all-time low for forest cover in the 80's and 90's. [7]
Displacement or forced migration results most often during a time of war and can adversely affect both the community and an individual. When a war breaks out, many people flee their homes in fear of losing their lives and their families, and as a result, they become misplaced either internally or externally. [33]
Environmental damage caused by war can last for centuries. [1] According to studies, soils near Ypres in Belgium still contain more than 2,000 tonnes (4.4 million pounds) of copper after World War I. In Iran, soils are still contaminated with mercury and chlorine after fights during the Iranian Revolution. [2]
From a legal standpoint, environmental protection during times of war and military activities is addressed partially by international environmental law. Further sources are also found in areas of law such as general international law, the laws of war , human rights law and local laws of each affected country.
The U.N. Environment Programme stated the war had reversed Gaza's improvements with its water desalination and wastewater treatment facilities. [29] Soils have been degraded by uprooting trees and contaminated by toxins, munitions, heavy bombing and demolitions. [2] The air in Gaza has been polluted by smoke and particulates from bombing. [2]
"What Affects One Affects All." This was the theme for the 41st annual Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest, which began in 1981 as a way to celebrate, remember and continue King's legacy.
The environmental damage caused by the oil fires was arguably the most impactful environmental catastrophe related to the First Gulf War. Discussion at the 1991 World Climate Conference in January included talks of a predicted nuclear winters , acid rain and immediate global warming spreading into Europe and Asia from the Persian epicentre.