After the Vietnam War, it seemed like the world finally got how bad industrial warfare could be for the environment. New protections were put in place, but the job of enforcing them went to international legal bodies that were more focused on state sovereignty and military needs than on protecting ecosystems. Michael Bothe and Carl Bruch point out that while international humanitarian law began recognizing the environment as a legal issue post-Vietnam, enforcement remained in

The Korean War stands at a critical midpoint in the history of wartime environmental destruction. Fought between 1950 and 1953, it was one of the first truly industrial wars of the Cold War era. Air power, mechanized armies, and chemical and incendiary weapons were deployed on a scale that reshaped the Korean Peninsula’s landscape and civilian infrastructure. Yet unlike Vietnam, the war took place before the modern legal framework for environmental protection existed. As a re

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in devastating consequences for both the environment and the people living there. This case study examines the intertwined realities of ecocide and genocide in Gaza, highlighting how environmental destruction and systematic violence have combined to create a humanitarian crisis. Understanding these impacts is crucial for grasping the full scope of the tragedy and exploring paths toward justice and recovery. Understanding Ecocide and G

War brings destruction, loss, and upheaval. Yet amid the chaos, one vital concern often gets overlooked: the environment. Armed conflicts can cause severe damage to ecosystems, water sources, and air quality, with consequences that last long after the fighting ends. Upholding environmental law during war is not just a legal obligation but a critical responsibility to protect the planet and future generations. Why Environmental Law Matters in War Environmental laws exist to sa