The economic damage of a war is closely linked to environmental pollution and climate change. Not only wars, but also armies and military armaments have a high economic and ecological cost.
Military greenhouse gas emissions are not counted in international climate treaties, such as COP26. Therefore, global pollution appears to be greatly underestimated: for this reason, the Conflicts and Environment Observatory has promoted a petition to convince governments to reduce military greenhouse gas emissions.
In these years of global warming, climate change and pandemics, money is needed for investment. Many are in favour of reducing military spending to use these economic resources for the environment, climate, and people. The pandemic, however, seems to have led to greater competition between states: this means that if one country arms itself, others arm themselves for fear of being unprepared to face a military attack.
The European Commission also considers the defence sector to be sustainable, classifying it as ESG, and including it in redevelopment and funding plans.
Many citizens and associations have taken action to request that military spending be classified as “socially harmful”.
In conclusion, the damage that war causes is enormous, also for nature and the environment: from the destruction of ecosystems, to the pollution of soil, air and water, up to the increase of carbon dioxide in the air which worsens global warming and exacerbates climate change.
(Data sources: Icona Clima, Valigia Blu)