The never-ending war: the long-term impact of armed conflict on health and the environment

Journal title RENDICONTI
Author/s Matteo Guidotti
Publishing Year 2026 Issue 2025/2
Language Italian Pages 12 P. 9-20 File size 0 KB
DOI 10.3280/rndoa2025oa20669
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The consequences of present and past warfare on the environment are relevant and multifaceted. Direct detrimental effects of war include contamination of air, water and soil as well as damages to infrastructure. Indirect effects on ecosystems comprise long-lasting negative impacts on natural resources, agriculture, forests, wildlife and, eventually, human life quality. It is crucial to define and recognize the impact of military operations on the environment and to take action to prevent or, at least, mitigate such effects, investing in environmental protection and conservation initiatives, identifying deliberate crimes against the environment and, ultimately, promoting peace and conflict resolution. In times where being responsible and accountable of our actions is an unavoidable duty, it is necessary to consider crimes against the environment as relevant as crimes against humankind.

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Matteo Guidotti, La guerra senza fine: l’impatto a lungo termine sulla salute e sull’ambiente dei conflitti armati in "RENDICONTI" 2/2025, pp 9-20, DOI: 10.3280/rndoa2025oa20669