Israel-Gaza Conflict and Its Climate Impact
The Israel-Gaza conflict has escalated dramatically, resulting in loss of life and infrastructure. A recent study reveals the staggering greenhouse gas emissions linked to this conflict. The report, titled “War on the Climate,” estimates emissions from direct combat activities alone at 1.9 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e). When including emissions from pre-war fortifications and post-war reconstruction, the total emissions exceed 32.2 million tCO2e. This figure surpasses the annual emissions of over 102 countries, denoting the urgent need for better reporting of military emissions.
Phases of Conflict-Related Emissions
The study identifies three distinct phases of emissions during the conflict – pre-conflict, active conflict, and post-conflict reconstruction.
- Pre-Conflict Emissions: Prior to the conflict, emissions were generated from the construction of military infrastructures. Hamas built an extensive tunnel network, while Israel constructed a 65 km security barrier. Together, these activities emitted 557,359 tCO2e.
- Active Conflict Emissions: During the conflict, emissions surged to 1,898,330.9 tCO2e. This includes emissions from:
- Cargo deliveries – 555,777 tCO2e
- Israeli aerial bombings – 252,490.6 tCO2e
- Ground vehicle operations – 47,838.2 tCO2e
- Artillery usage – 78,306 tCO2e
- Rocket fire – 925.9 tCO2e
- Fuel use for electricity in Gaza – 131,791.4 tCO2e
- Humanitarian aid truck deliveries – 817,436 tCO2e
- Post-Conflict Emissions: The most emissions will arise from reconstruction efforts. An estimated 54-66% of Gaza’s buildings have been damaged or destroyed. Rebuilding efforts are projected to emit approximately 29.75 million tCO2e, with housing reconstruction alone accounting for 26.86 million tCO2e.
Hidden Emissions and Data Gaps
The report marks that traditional emissions accounting frameworks do not adequately reflect the climate impact of armed conflict. Current UN climate reporting is voluntary and lacks specific requirements for military emissions. The study proposes the “Scope 3+” framework, which includes emissions from infrastructure destruction, human displacement, and fuel use in conflict zones. It notes that countries like Israel often do not report military fuel combustion in their national emissions data.
Broader Climate Implications
Military activities contribute to global greenhouse gas emissions, estimated at up to 5.5%. This rate surpasses emissions from global civil aviation and shipping. Despite the urgency brought into light by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, emissions from military conflicts remain largely unaccounted for in international climate discussions. The report advocates for mandatory reporting of military emissions under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the adoption of the Scope 3+ framework.
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