The Best-Measured Case: Ukraine War Emissions

The Ukraine war provides one of the clearest case studies of conflict-related emissions because scientists have attempted to quantify its full climate impact. A study estimates that the war generated roughly 77 million tonnes of CO₂-equivalent in just the first 18 months.

These emissions came from continuous explosions, widespread fires, and the vast amounts of fuel consumed by tanks, jets, and military convoys. They were also a result of extensive damage to energy grids, industrial sites, and fuel depots, many of which released additional pollutants when destroyed. Forests, farmland, and grasslands, crucial natural carbon sinks  were burned or rendered unusable.

The study also warns that emissions associated with post-war reconstruction could surpass the emissions generated during active conflict, given the energy-intensive materials such as steel and cement that rebuilding requires.

See the study:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969724000135