Warfare Practices and Experiments and their Effects on the Environment

Abstract

War and armed conflict have devastating impacts not only on human populations but also on the environment. This paper explores various warfare practices, violations of international humanitarian law, and their immediate and long-term environmental consequences. Using an ARDL model, we analyze data from 1990 to 2023 across 19 wars and military conflicts to assess their ecological impact. Our study examines deforestation, soil degradation, water contamination, air pollution, and biodiversity loss. We find that conflict intensity and duration have the most significant influence on ecological damage, while displacement and refugee numbers play a relatively minor role. The analysis shows that economic factors do not contribute to environmental harm. Additionally, the long-term effects of war and conflict are more pronounced than short-term impacts. Based on these findings, we recommend that policymakers prioritize the integration of comprehensive environmental protection measures in conflict resolution strategies. This includes implementing strict regulations against environmentally harmful practices during warfare, promoting sustainable development initiatives in post-conflict reconstruction, and fostering international cooperation to address the ecological impacts of conflicts.