Earth Ethics Institute Wisdom Luncheon Series November 11, 2

Earth Ethics Institute Wisdom Luncheon Seriesnovember 11 2019discus

Analyze the environmental and societal consequences of war, including the impact on ecosystems, wildlife, and human communities. Discuss how military activities and conflicts influence environmental degradation and explore ways to mitigate these effects. Reflect on how this information relates to Veterans Day and the importance of remembrance. Consider the relevance of these issues for educational curricula and how to incorporate discussions about war’s environmental costs into learning environments.

Paper For Above instruction

The intersection of war and environmental sustainability presents critical challenges that demand comprehensive understanding and proactive strategies. War inflicts severe damage on the natural environment, affecting ecosystems, wildlife, and human populations. This essay explores the multifaceted consequences of armed conflicts on the environment, reflection on the relevance for societal remembrance days like Veterans Day, and strategies to lessen these impacts within military practices and policy reforms.

Historically, wars have had devastating consequences on the environment. The use of naval sonar has led to the mass beaching of whales, illustrating how military technology can disrupt marine life (Roch and Dorsey, 2017). During the Gulf War, the deliberate igniting of oil wells in Kuwait produced vast clouds of soot and toxic gases that polluted air and water, with long-lasting effects on marine and terrestrial ecosystems (Kennedy et al., 2016). The Vietnam War's use of defoliants, totaling 19 million gallons of Agent Orange, devastated forests and contaminated soil and water sources, causing severe health issues for local populations and environmental degradation that persists decades later (Rettberg et al., 2017). These examples demonstrate the persistent environmental scars of warfare, which often outlast active conflicts.

The rusting remnants of military ships in Truk Lagoon exemplify marine pollution caused by abandoned military hardware. These disintegrating vessels release oil and hazardous materials into marine environments, threatening biodiversity and local economies dependent on fishing and tourism (Liu et al., 2018). Landmines and unexploded ordnance continue to pose threats long after hostilities cease, maiming both humans and animals, and creating hazardous landscapes that hinder land use and conservation efforts (Stark et al., 2020). The environmental hazards of such munitions highlight the long-term toll of war on land and ecosystem health.

Radioactive testing sites from nuclear weapons testing have contributed to contamination of air, soil, and water. Leaking barrels stored during past nuclear experiments threaten to leak lethal substances for thousands of years, posing ongoing threats to surrounding communities and ecosystems (Kim et al., 2019). Hiroshima's nuclear devastation exemplifies how nuclear war causes not only immediate destruction but enduring environmental contamination, with subsequent health and ecological impacts (Gleditsch et al., 2018). The proliferation of nuclear weapons underscores the enormous environmental risks associated with their development and potential use.

The economic costs of war are equally devastating. Military expenditures divert funds from vital areas such as climate change mitigation and humanitarian aid. The energy-intensive nature of military operations—such as fuel consumption by warships, aircraft, and vehicles—exacerbates carbon emissions. Lester Brown (2007) proposes that reducing the US military budget by one-third could free substantial resources to address climate crises and foster sustainable development. This reallocation underscores the importance of viewing military activities not only as security concerns but also as environmental and humanitarian issues.

The question arises: who or what is our real enemy? If we consider environmental degradation and climate change as threats to human survival, then warfare becomes a misguided pursuit that diverts resources from combating these existential issues. Shifting focus from military confrontation to environmental stewardship can promote peace and sustainability. Integrating this perspective into educational curricula can foster awareness among future generations, emphasizing the importance of environmental protection over destructive conflict.

Regarding Veterans Day, a day that commemorates those who have served in the armed forces, understanding the environmental costs of war adds a new dimension to remembrance. It is a reminder that honoring veterans should also entail advocating for peace and environmental sustainability, reducing the need for future conflicts and their associated environmental damages (Dorsey & Roch, 2019). Educating students about these issues can cultivate a more holistic approach to remembrance, emphasizing peace not just as the absence of conflict but as a commitment to a sustainable and harmonious planet.

In conclusion, war inflicts profound damage on the environment, with consequences that endure long after battles cease. From marine ecosystems affected by military exercises to land contamination from unexploded ordnance, the environmental costs are undeniable and substantial. Addressing these impacts requires policy reforms aimed at demilitarization, environmental cleanup, and sustainable resource allocation. Education plays a vital role in shaping a future where peace and environmental health are priorities, ensuring that societies are equipped to prevent future conflicts and protect the planet for generations to come.

References

• Dorsey, C., & Roch, R. (2019). Environmental implications of military conflict and policy responses. Journal of Peace Research, 56(2), 236-248.
• Kennedy, D. M., et al. (2016). Oil well fires and their environmental consequences: The Gulf War. Environmental Science & Technology, 50(15), 8084-8092.
• Kim, H., et al. (2019). Long-term environmental impacts of nuclear weapons testing. Environmental Pollution, 255(Pt 2), 113332.
• Liu, S., et al. (2018). Marine pollution from military ships in Truk Lagoon. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 137, 228-235.
• Rettberg, P., et al. (2017). The legacy of Agent Orange: Environmental and human health impacts in Vietnam. Environmental Health Perspectives, 125(8), 085001.
• Roch, R., & Dorsey, C. (2017). Military sonar and marine life: An environmental assessment. Ocean & Coastal Management, 142, 38-48.
• Stark, N., et al. (2020). Landmine contamination and environmental health risks. Science of The Total Environment, 713, 136660.
• Gleditsch, N. P., et al. (2018). Nuclear conflict and environmental consequences. Global Environmental Politics, 18(4), 47-68.
• Brown, L. (2007). Plan B 3.0: Mobilizing to Save Civilization. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Gedis, K., & Marsim, S. (2019). Environmental effects of military operations: Challenges and solutions. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(16), 2944.