Satellite image showing grass fires and damage at Antonov Airport, Hostomel (Ukraine), February 27, 2022. Maxar Technologies/Reuters
- Health effects of conventional and non-conventional war can lead to physical and mental injuries and even death in the hundreds or millions.
- The bulk of chlorofluorocarbons is produced by the world’s armies. They were banned in 1987 Montreal Protocol as they are known to be harmful to the ozone layer.
- Although nuclear experts believe that the risk of direct threats is low to these reactors’s, others claim that the greater threat is the degrading of Ukraine’s power grid.
As a physician who provided medical support to disaster victims, I was exposed to two major environmental events that resembled war zones.
Numerous people fled their homes to escape the toxic gas emitted by the Union Carbide plant in Bhopal, known as the worst industrial accident in history. I saw them in hospital as they died from the toxic effects caused by methylisocyanate.
Initial rumours about an accident included terrorist plots, foreign plots, and retaliation against political decisions.
In 2005, I was part a medical team in New Orleans providing assistance following Hurricane Katrina. After the hurricane, massive flooding had occurred in the city. The entire population was forced to evacuate. New Orleans was transformed from a functioning democracy into anarchy within days.
These two environmental disasters were very different in nature. However, the common factor was the fact that the precipitating events had shocked the cities, bringing the city to its knees.
The difference between war and natural disasters is in the intent.
The former can be accidental or a natural act of nature. However, the latter is intentional. For a long time, the scorched earth method of war has caused great devastation to local populations. The following is an example. Mahabharataepic, where Pandava kings destroyed the Khandavaprastha Forest to build their capital. It caused death and habitat loss to forest-dwellers, and wildlife.
As human development became more complex, the progress from mechanical to chemical, biologic, and nuclear weapons has had a devastating effect on the environment.Both conventional and unconventional wars have health impacts that range from mental and physical injuries to loss of life, as well as death in the hundreds of thousands. Agent Orange’s use as a weapon of defoliation in Vietnam War resulted not only in loss of forest and wildlife, but also crop damage and health problems for both the Vietnamese and American soldiers who were involved in the conflict.
Oil and chemical poisonings have caused land and water to be poisoned in peacetime. The problem has increased during wartime. These spillages can persist for decades.
Manufacturing, testing, transporting, and testing of weapons are all part of military activities that require large amounts of fossil fuels.Multiple studies have shown that these activities lead to massive greenhouse gas emission. The United States and Canadian militaries are regarded as the biggest polluters in the globe.
The bulk of chlorofluorocarbons produced by the world’s militaries was banned under the 1987 Montreal Protocol. This protocol was intended to protect the ozone layer at the Earth’s top atmosphere. The development of weapons is like a double-edged sword. It has also spurred research into drug and pharmaceutical industries and spawned technologies such as global positioning systems, drones and artificial intelligence that help scientists perform better ecological restoration and remediation.
Although nuclear weapons were used in Japan to end World War II, the blast effects and ionising radiation had a devastating impact on the biosphere as well as human health. Strontium-90 is a radioisotope that can be found in nuclear fallout. It has been shown to infiltrate the food chain and accumulate in animals, plants, and humans. Nuclear energy is a peaceful source of electricity that has been proven to be cost-effective and less harmful than traditional sources.
Most countries have realized the deterrent capabilities of nuclear weapons, and have taken steps to acquire them, either covertly or openly. The International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War group has noted that extensive nuclear explosions could prevent sunlight from reaching Earth, and the resulting drop in temperature would cause a “nuclear winter”.The organization recommended a ban on nuclear testing and asked that the great powers not use their nuclear weapons in conflict situations.
As we see the images of Russia’s war on Ukraine we can’t help but to think of the numerous effects on peoples and the environment.
Chernobyls nuclear power station reactor exploded during a test in 1986. It released approximately 400 times more radiation than the Hiroshima bombing.Thirty-three people died from radiation exposure in the immediate aftermath. Concerns about cancer still linger. To limit human exposure, the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone was created covering hundreds of miles. Some areas of the land must be abandoned for many centuries.
The Chernobyl nuclear plant, now defunct, is on one the main invasion paths. Reports indicate that it was taken over by the Russian military.According to Ukraine’s nuclear regulatory authority, high levels of gamma radiation have been detected in the area since the Russian military seized the reactor.The movement of heavy military vehicles, which disturbs the contaminated soil, caused the radiation levels to rise. Ukraine also has fifteen active reactors that provide half the nation’s electricity.
TheUkrainian governmentAccording to its official website, Russia’s attack on Ukraine could cause another ecological catastrophe by moving its military forces towards Chernobyl. If Russia continues its war, Chernobyl could happen again in 2022.
While nuclear experts believe that there are no direct threats to these nuclear reactors, Dr R. Scott Kemp (professor of nuclear science) says that the greater threat to Ukraine’s power grid is the possibility of it being damaged, which could cause rolling blackouts.The latest attack was on an oil depot near Kyiv, resulting in toxic fumes.At risk are the local population, especially children and elderly, as well as those with pre-existing or current respiratory disease.
Conflict between nations can be triggered by natural resources. Many wars have been fought over land, water, and food. It is well-known militarism is closely linked to human security.Many UN treaties include provisions to limit environmental damage from war. Institutions such as the International Peace Bureau encourage a more integrated approach in security and emphasize the interdependencies of humans and the environment.
Recognizing that wars have been a constant throughout human history, it is important to encourage such efforts to stop the degradation of our environment.
V. Ramana Dhara works as a physician to explore the connections between health, environment and health. He was a member of the International Medical Commission on Bhopal.
