Israel's Military Campaign in Gaza Generates Unprecedented Carbon Emissions
Research shows that the carbon footprint of the Israeli conflict in Gaza surpasses that of many countries, raising concerns over environmental impacts amidst civilian casualties.
The military operations conducted by Israel in Gaza over the first 15 months are estimated to generate carbon emissions exceeding the annual greenhouse gas output of at least a hundred countries, significantly worsening the global climate crisis.
New research indicates that the long-term climate impact from the destruction, clearance, and rebuilding in Gaza could surpass 31 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e), a figure greater than the combined 2023 emissions of Costa Rica and Estonia.
Currently, there are no obligations for states to report military emissions to international climate bodies.
The research attributes approximately 3,000 tonnes of CO2e to Hamas, primarily from bunker fuel and rockets, which constitutes only about 0.2% of the total emissions directly resulting from the conflict.
In contrast, around 50% of emissions were generated by Israeli military activities, including the supply and use of weapons and vehicles by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The Gulf region remains particularly susceptible to adverse climate effects, with extreme weather, drought, and water shortages threatening local populations.
As fossil fuel combustion continues to worsen climate conditions, more individuals are forced to migrate due to environmental factors.
This escalating crisis highlights the significant ramifications of warfare on climate stability and population displacement.
This study, available on the Social Science Research Network, contributes to an increasing effort to hold nations and corporations accountable for the environmental and climate-related costs associated with warfare and military occupations.
The findings stem from a comprehensive analysis conducted by researchers from the UK and US, detailing the climate implications of Israel’s military engagements, which have reportedly led to the deaths of over 53,000 Palestinians and the destruction of critical infrastructure.
The research also provides insights into other recent Israeli military actions in the region, including conflicts involving Yemen, Iran, and Lebanon.
Researchers estimate that Israel's military activities in Gaza and these other regional conflicts produced emissions equivalent to charging approximately 2.6 billion smartphones or running 84 gas power plants for a year.
Between October 7, 2023, and January 2025, it is estimated that over 1.89 million tCO2e were generated due to Israel's military operations, with more than 99% attributed to aerial bombardments and ground invasions.
Significant contributions to emissions have been linked to arms shipments from the United States, which sent around 50,000 tonnes of military supplies during the conflict.
Additionally, over 30% of emissions during this period were linked to various military operations, including reconnaissance flights and bombings.
Previously, solar energy provided about 25% of Gaza's electricity, but the conflict has led to extensive damage to solar infrastructure and the territory’s only power plant.
Current energy access in Gaza relies heavily on diesel generators, contributing to over 130,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, which accounts for approximately 7% of total conflict emissions.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is exacerbated by the insufficient aid allowed into the area, with the UN condemning the number of aid trucks permitted by Israel as grossly inadequate to meet the needs of 2.2 million residents.
The reconstruction of Gaza's shattered infrastructure—estimated to consist of 60 million tonnes of rubble—will result in an additional 29.4 million tonnes of CO2e emissions, comparable to Afghanistan's total greenhouse gas output for 2023.
The issuance of emissions data from conflicts like the one in Gaza exemplifies the need for accountability and the necessity of including military emissions in global climate discussions.
Critically, the current United Nations guidelines permit voluntary reporting on military emissions, focusing primarily on fuel use, leaving a significant gap in understanding the full environmental impact of military conflicts.
Senior experts have indicated the long-term environmental repercussions of war, including soil degradation and pollution of vital resources, stressing that military actions not only result in immediate loss of life but also compromise environmental stability and management.
The IDF has not reported emissions figures to the UN, reflecting a broader trend among militaries worldwide.
The implications of the ongoing conflict extend beyond borders, presenting a global environmental challenge amidst one of the world's most densely populated regions experiencing profound humanitarian distress.
New research indicates that the long-term climate impact from the destruction, clearance, and rebuilding in Gaza could surpass 31 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e), a figure greater than the combined 2023 emissions of Costa Rica and Estonia.
Currently, there are no obligations for states to report military emissions to international climate bodies.
The research attributes approximately 3,000 tonnes of CO2e to Hamas, primarily from bunker fuel and rockets, which constitutes only about 0.2% of the total emissions directly resulting from the conflict.
In contrast, around 50% of emissions were generated by Israeli military activities, including the supply and use of weapons and vehicles by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The Gulf region remains particularly susceptible to adverse climate effects, with extreme weather, drought, and water shortages threatening local populations.
As fossil fuel combustion continues to worsen climate conditions, more individuals are forced to migrate due to environmental factors.
This escalating crisis highlights the significant ramifications of warfare on climate stability and population displacement.
This study, available on the Social Science Research Network, contributes to an increasing effort to hold nations and corporations accountable for the environmental and climate-related costs associated with warfare and military occupations.
The findings stem from a comprehensive analysis conducted by researchers from the UK and US, detailing the climate implications of Israel’s military engagements, which have reportedly led to the deaths of over 53,000 Palestinians and the destruction of critical infrastructure.
The research also provides insights into other recent Israeli military actions in the region, including conflicts involving Yemen, Iran, and Lebanon.
Researchers estimate that Israel's military activities in Gaza and these other regional conflicts produced emissions equivalent to charging approximately 2.6 billion smartphones or running 84 gas power plants for a year.
Between October 7, 2023, and January 2025, it is estimated that over 1.89 million tCO2e were generated due to Israel's military operations, with more than 99% attributed to aerial bombardments and ground invasions.
Significant contributions to emissions have been linked to arms shipments from the United States, which sent around 50,000 tonnes of military supplies during the conflict.
Additionally, over 30% of emissions during this period were linked to various military operations, including reconnaissance flights and bombings.
Previously, solar energy provided about 25% of Gaza's electricity, but the conflict has led to extensive damage to solar infrastructure and the territory’s only power plant.
Current energy access in Gaza relies heavily on diesel generators, contributing to over 130,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, which accounts for approximately 7% of total conflict emissions.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is exacerbated by the insufficient aid allowed into the area, with the UN condemning the number of aid trucks permitted by Israel as grossly inadequate to meet the needs of 2.2 million residents.
The reconstruction of Gaza's shattered infrastructure—estimated to consist of 60 million tonnes of rubble—will result in an additional 29.4 million tonnes of CO2e emissions, comparable to Afghanistan's total greenhouse gas output for 2023.
The issuance of emissions data from conflicts like the one in Gaza exemplifies the need for accountability and the necessity of including military emissions in global climate discussions.
Critically, the current United Nations guidelines permit voluntary reporting on military emissions, focusing primarily on fuel use, leaving a significant gap in understanding the full environmental impact of military conflicts.
Senior experts have indicated the long-term environmental repercussions of war, including soil degradation and pollution of vital resources, stressing that military actions not only result in immediate loss of life but also compromise environmental stability and management.
The IDF has not reported emissions figures to the UN, reflecting a broader trend among militaries worldwide.
The implications of the ongoing conflict extend beyond borders, presenting a global environmental challenge amidst one of the world's most densely populated regions experiencing profound humanitarian distress.
