Resilient nature amid the ravages war (Ideas April 24): War has devastating effects on the human body and environment. War has a negative impact on fauna and flora. Toxic chemicals are released into the atmosphere, water, and soil during war. War damages ecosystems and forests, and destroys animal habitats. Many species of animal and plant species are endangered by war. War and the preparation for it take human and financial resources away from activities that protect the environment and preserve the natural world. Those who do not see the forest for the trees are those who fail to see the resilience of nature in times of war.
Dr. Barry S. Levy
Sherborn
The author of From Horror to Hope, Recognizing and Preventing Health Impacts of Wars, is an adjunct professor of Public Health at Tufts University School of Medicine. He was also the past president of American Public Health Association.
