The Iran war sparks a severe environmental crisis in ways that are hard to ignore, as people in Tehran are seeing toxic rain, and the Persian Gulf faces serious pollution threats, which is more than just the obvious destruction. Experts say this conflict is setting off an environmental crisis that messes with the air, water, soil, and even the region’s climate for years to come, and as the fighting keeps up, the damage isn’t just theoretical anymore; it’s out in the open, and it’s worrying a lot of folks.

Source: X

What Is Causing ‘Black Rain’ and Toxic Air Pollution in Iran?

• Oil depot fires and atmospheric contamination: Fires at Tehran oil depots, caused by bombings, have contaminated the atmosphere with soot and oil droplets, as well as sulfur compounds. According to scientists, these compounds, combined with a low-pressure system, produced “black rain” containing toxic and acidic compounds.
• Scale of bombardment and emissions: Thousands of bombs and missiles have fallen on oil refineries, industrial areas, and military bases since early March. Each of these attacks has emitted greenhouse gases and toxic compounds into the atmosphere, contributing significantly to air pollution and global warming.
• Toxic compounds from military infrastructure: Fuel, heavy metals, PFAS (forever chemicals), dioxins, and furans are some of the toxic compounds that might be present in the atmosphere, according to the Conflict and Environment Observatory, which might cause cancer, hormonal imbalance, and long-term damage to land.
• Health risks and urban exposure: Iranian authorities have advised Tehran residents to stay indoors because of hazardous air quality. Similar situations in past wars, such as during the Gulf War oil fires, caused serious public health issues, including respiratory and skin diseases.

Also Read: US Plans To Lift Smog Curbs On Summer Gasoline Amid Rising Prices From Iran Conflict

How Extensive Is the Damage to the Environment in the Region?

• Hundreds of environmental incidents in Iran: Wim Zwijnenburg, a remote sensing expert, has identified over 500 instances of damage to the environment in Iran and over 100 in other locations outside Iran.
• Risk of marine pollution in the Persian Gulf: The Persian Gulf is surrounded by oil installations and is therefore in a high-risk zone for oil spills and leakage of chemicals. Even a small amount of damage can affect marine life and the environment for decades.
• Threat to global energy routes: About 20% of the world’s oil and gas is transported through the Strait of Hormuz. If tensions in the region increase, it is not just the oil and gas trade that will be affected, but the ocean and the environment as well.

Also Read: US Tariffs Trigger 35% Decline In India’s Solar Exports

What Are the Long-Term Environmental and Climate Consequences of the War?

The destruction on a large scale of oil and gas facilities will result in the release of millions of tons of CO2 and methane into the atmosphere. The International Energy Agency (IEA) and its research indicate that leakage from fossil fuel fires and pipelines is a major contributor to accelerating climate change, while soil contamination due to heavy metals and toxic chemicals can lead to the loss of arable land for years. All of these combined lead to food insecurity across the region.

Should military operations increase near crucial energy hubs, such as the South Pars Gas Field, on an unprecedented scale, the environmental impact of these military operations could reach well beyond Iran and greatly affect worldwide climate systems. Ultimately, the Iran war sparks a severe environmental crisis, which will leave a toxic legacy for the ecosystems and public health for generations.

Also Read: Rhinos Reintroduced In Uganda Mark Conservation Milestone After 40 Years