‘Black rain’ from strikes threatens health and ecosystems
US-Israeli airstrikes targeting oil depots in Iran have led to heavy pollution, with “black rain” reported over the weekend. Gabriel da Silva, associate professor of chemical engineering at the University of Melbourne, said the plumes likely contained sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, hydrocarbons, PM2.5 particles, carcinogenic compounds, and heavy metals from damaged infrastructure.
Residents reported breathing difficulties and burning sensations in their eyes and throats, while long-term risks include cancer, neurological disorders, heart disease, and birth complications. Pollutants could persist in waterways, threatening marine ecosystems already under stress.
Desalination plants: critical vulnerabilities in Gulf states
Desalination plants, which convert seawater into freshwater for major cities, have been hit in Iran, Bahrain, and other Gulf countries. Michael Christopher Low, director of the Middle East Center at the University of Utah, called the region “saltwater kingdoms” – human-made, fossil-fuelled water superpowers that are highly vulnerable in times of war. Iran reported that a recent strike on a desalination plant cut water supplies for 30 villages, while attacks on co-located power plants risk further disruptions.
Although Iran primarily relies on rivers, reservoirs, and aquifers, five years of drought have depleted these sources, forcing the country to expand desalination along its southern coast. Infrastructure, energy costs, and sanctions limit scalability, raising fears of a “serious water crisis” if attacks persist.
Energy disruption and wider economic fallout
Strikes on refineries and shipping channels disrupt oil-dependent economies, forcing countries to rely on dirtier fuel or costly imports. Closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route, has rerouted tankers around Africa, spiking shipping emissions and the risk of oil spills. Food supplies are also threatened, with rising costs in agriculture and transport.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted renewable energy as a strategic buffer, noting that local clean energy resources cannot be blockaded or weaponised.
War’s environmental footprint
Military operations themselves contribute heavily to climate change. Fighter jets and other operations release significant carbon emissions, adding to global CO2 levels. Neta Crawford of Brown University’s Costs of War project said the environmental consequences of war far exceed gains from incremental green energy transitions, underscoring the lasting climate impact of military conflicts.
Also read: Massive fires erupt as US-Israel strikes hit Iran oil depots
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