Israel’s bombing of Iran’s oil infrastructure will have major long-term environmental repercussions, experts have warned, as monitors admitted they were struggling to keep track of the environmental disasters arising from the widening war.
Even as Iranians filled the streets to mark the appointment of a new supreme leader, the Shahran oil depot north-east of Tehran and the Shahr-e fuel depot to its south continued to burn on Monday, two days after they were bombed by Israeli warplanes.
In the immediate aftermath of the attacks, Iran’s environmental agency and the Iranian Red Crescent Society had warned Tehran residents to stay at home, warning the toxic chemicals spread by airstrikes on five fossil fuel installations around the city could lead to acid rain and damage the skin and lungs.
On Monday, the head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said: “Damage to petroleum facilities in Iran risks contaminating food, water and air – hazards that can have severe health impacts especially on children, older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions.”
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has taken a devastating turn. Late on Saturday night, U.S. and Israeli forces launched missile strikes on Iran’s oil depots. Videos of the attack circulating online are being compared to Armageddon, with massive plumes of smoke and fire rising near public highways.
The strikes were so precise and devastating that the explosions also rocked the neighbouring city of Karaj. Footage shared on social media shows huge fireballs descending from the sky and engulfing parts of the targeted facilities.
The Iraq War, which began in 2003, had profound and multifaceted environmental consequences that extended far beyond its immediate geopolitical implications. The conflict led to widespread destruction of ecosystems, infrastructure, and natural resources, exacerbated by the use of heavy weaponry, military operations, and the collapse of governance systems. Oil spills, such as the deliberate release of crude oil into the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, contaminated water sources and disrupted aquatic life. Additionally, the burning of oil wells and refineries released toxic pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to air quality degradation and long-term health risks for both humans and wildlife. The war also accelerated desertification, soil erosion, and the loss of biodiversity, as military activities and displacement disrupted fragile desert and wetland ecosystems. The environmental impact of the Iraq War underscores the often-overlooked ecological costs of armed conflict, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable recovery and international accountability in post-war reconstruction efforts.
Air Pollution
Increased levels of particulate matter, toxic chemicals, and heavy metals due to bombings, fires, and military operations. Persistent air quality issues reported in areas like Baghdad and Basra.
Water Contamination
Pollution of rivers (e.g., Tigris and Euphrates) and groundwater from oil spills, military waste, and untreated sewage. Access to clean water remains a critical issue for millions of Iraqis.
Soil Degradation
Contamination from depleted uranium (DU) munitions, heavy metals, and chemical pollutants. Agricultural productivity has declined in affected areas.
Deforestation and Habitat Loss
Destruction of vegetation and wildlife habitats due to military activities, urbanization, and infrastructure damage. Marshlands in southern Iraq have been particularly affected.
Oil Spills and Fires
Extensive oil spills from damaged pipelines and storage facilities, leading to long-term environmental damage. Oil fires during the war contributed to air pollution and climate change.
Waste Management Crisis
Accumulation of military and civilian waste, including unexploded ordnance, plastics, and hazardous materials. Limited waste management infrastructure exacerbates the problem.
Climate Change Contributions
Significant carbon emissions from military operations, fires, and reconstruction activities. Iraq remains vulnerable to climate change impacts, including droughts and desertification.
Health Impacts
Increased rates of respiratory diseases, cancer, and birth defects linked to environmental contamination. Long-term health effects persist, especially in conflict-affected areas.
Biodiversity Loss
Decline in native species due to habitat destruction, pollution, and hunting. Endangered species like the Mesopotamian fallow deer are at greater risk.
Long-Term Environmental Recovery
Slow and challenging recovery process due to ongoing instability, lack of resources, and limited international support. Environmental degradation continues to affect livelihoods and ecosystems.
Retired, living in the Scottish Borders after living most of my life in cities in England. I can now indulge my interest in all aspects of living close to nature in a wild landscape. I live on what was once the Iapetus Ocean which took millions of years to travel from the Southern Hemisphere to here in the Northern Hemisphere. That set me thinking and questioning and seeking answers.
In 1998 I co-wrote Millennium Countdown (US)/ A Business Guide to the Year 2000 (UK) see https://www.abebooks.co.uk/products/isbn/9780749427917
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