Environmental impact of war

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The study of the environmental impact of war focuses on the modernization of warfare and its increasing effects on the environment. Tactics such as scorched earth methods have been used for much of recorded history; however, the methods of modern warfare cause far greater devastation on the biophysical environment. The progression of warfare from chemical weapons to nuclear weapons has increasingly created stress on ecosystems and the environment. Drone usage, which is advancing, emits nitrous oxides and other gases that can cause acid rain. Environmental toxins like these gases and heavy metals linger for decades in the environment, and in dry areas they can be transported across large distance. Genotoxic effects as in the case of Agent Orange can affect multiple generations. Even after war ends, contaminated land and water can keep harming the environment and nearby communities. Wars also have a detrimental effects on environmental policy which can last for 20–30 years after the conflict...

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