A way of drastically reducing pollution

Today, I ask for your forgiveness for deviating completely from the subject of this blog: this post has nothing to do with so-called alternative medicine (but quite a bit with health and survival). Perhaps you find it important nonetheless.

I have been a pacifist all my life, and the persistence of wars across the world depresses me just as much as the way we continue to pollute the planet as though there is no tomorrow. One day soon, I fear, there will indeed be no tomorrow.

Realizing that the two – wars and pollution – are connected makes things even worse

Modern wars like the ones in Gaza or Ukraine have undoubtedly an enormous impact on the environment, contributing to pollution and hence climate change in multiple ways.

• Debris and Hazardous Materials: The conflict in Gaza has generated massive amounts of debris, estimated at 50 million tons, contaminating soil and water with toxic substances like asbestos and heavy metals. Similarly, in Ukraine, the war has caused significant environmental damage, including pollution from industrial sites and destruction of infrastructure.
• Water Pollution: In Gaza, sewage treatment plants have been damaged or destroyed, resulting in over 130,000 cubic meters of untreated sewage being discharged into the Mediterranean Sea daily. In Ukraine, water sources have been contaminated due to industrial and military activities.
• Military Operations: The initial two months of the Gaza conflict emitted greenhouse gases equivalent to burning at least 150,000 tons of coal. In Ukraine, the war has led to increased emissions from military vehicles, industrial activities, and reconstruction efforts.
• Reconstruction: Rebuilding damaged buildings in Gaza using conventional methods would result in an additional 30 million metric tons of greenhouse gases, surpassing the annual emissions of New Zealand.
• Soil Contamination: Unexploded ordnance and toxic substances can contaminate soil and groundwater for extended periods, posing health risks to local populations.
• Loss of Biodiversity: The destruction of infrastructure and ecosystems can lead to loss of biodiversity, affecting ecosystems and human livelihoods.
• Climate Change: The cumulative impact of these conflicts contributes to climate change, exacerbating existing environmental issues and creating new challenges for affected regions.

Apart from diplomatic failures, what is behind this level of pollution? Much points to the arms industry. It’s direct and indirect environmental impact is huge. In fact, it might be the biggest polluter of them all.

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The US military alone is estimated to be one of the largest institutional consumers of petroleum in the world, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
• Toxic Waste: Military activities generate hazardous waste, including toxic chemicals and heavy metals, which can contaminate soil, water, and air.
• Conflict-Related Damage: Wars and conflicts cause destruction of infrastructure, ecosystems, and natural resources, leading to long-term environmental damage.

What can be done about it?

I think we need to realize how terrible wars are not just for the people directly affected but for the future of the planet. We also need to realize that, without the arms industry, there cannot be heavily polluting wars. So let’s draw the obvious conclusion: One way to dramatically decrease pollution and wars would be to stop the arms industry to profit from human conflict and misery.

PS

You don’t need to tell me that I am naive; I have heard this often enough. Perhaps it would be more constructive to consider whether I – in my naivety – don’t have a point.