1. World problems
  2. Environmental warfare

Environmental warfare

  • Geophysical weapons

Nature

In warfare, recourse to deliberate destruction of the environment is frequently an integral part of military strategy. Such warfare involves the defoliation or destruction of forest trees, the pollution or craterization of cultivated fields, and destruction or diversion of water sources. By these means it is hoped to deny the enemy cover, food, and the life-support of the countryside, thus making it more difficult for him to mass for effective attack.

Background

Geophysical weapons and weather modification techniques of warfare are in the experimental or research stages. Objectives include storm and rain production, stimulation of seismic earth shocks, ozone layer interference, production of tsunamis, creation of lightning, and other weather and environmental disturbances.

Incidence

Environmental warfare techniques were used by the USA in Vietnam. In the period 1962-1968, 4,560,600 acres of forest land, representing 10% of the entire area of Vietnam, were sprayed with herbicides. These herbicides, such as Agent Orange, contaminate crops, have teratogenic effects on unborn children, and poison humans and animals. Plant cover can also be destroyed by the use of very large, bulldozer-driven Rome ploughs, and bombardment and artillery fire may also be used, deliberately or incidentally, to destroy the environment. Munitions create craters, which prevent the use of arable and timber land indefinitely, create breeding grounds for mosquitoes, accentuate soil run-off and erosion, and cause laterization of the land. Weather modification cloud-seeding has been used to increase rainfall to make roadways muddy and unusable; and land may be indiscriminately devastated by using electronic battlefield or systematic bombing techniques.

Claim

Environmental warfare is a grave and urgent issue that threatens our planet's ecosystems and human health. Deliberate destruction of natural resources, pollution, and climate manipulation as weapons of war not only devastate the environment but also exacerbate global conflicts and humanitarian crises. This insidious tactic undermines sustainable development and endangers future generations. We must recognize and combat environmental warfare as a critical threat, demanding immediate international action to protect our planet and ensure a livable future for all.This information has been generated by artificial intelligence.

Counter-claim

Environmental warfare is often overstated and distracts from more pressing global issues. While the environment deserves attention, the notion that warfare significantly impacts it pales in comparison to challenges like poverty, health crises, and economic instability. Focusing on environmental warfare diverts resources and energy from solving real-world problems that affect millions daily. We should prioritize tangible humanitarian efforts over abstract concerns about environmental damage in conflict zones, which often receive disproportionate attention.This information has been generated by artificial intelligence.

Broader

War
Excellent
Ecocide
Presentable

Narrower

Craterization
Yet to rate

Aggravates

Soil erosion
Excellent
Malaria
Excellent
Deforestation
Excellent
Teratogens
Presentable

Aggravated by

Reduces

Plant pathogens
Unpresentable

Related

Strategy

Value

War
Yet to rate

Reference

SDG

Sustainable Development Goal #15: Life on Land

Metadata

Database
World problems
Type
(C) Cross-sectoral problems
Biological classification
N/A
Subject
  • Defence » Arms
  • Defence » War
  • Environment » Environment
  • Geophysics » Geophysics
  • Societal problems » Destruction
  • Content quality
    Presentable
     Presentable
    Language
    English
    1A4N
    C2696
    DOCID
    11326960
    D7NID
    135720
    Last update
    Sep 5, 2022