A new study has uncovered that the ongoing conflict in Iran is significantly exacerbating climate change, with staggering emissions recorded over a brief period. Research from the Climate & Community Institute indicates that from 28 February to 14 March, the war released more than five million tons of greenhouse gases. To provide perspective, this volume surpasses the total annual carbon emissions of the entire nation of Iceland.
Major Sources of Emissions in the Conflict
For their analysis, the team estimated emissions across five key categories of military and destructive activities during the initial 14 days of the war. Their findings highlight the profound environmental toll of the hostilities.
Destruction of Homes and Buildings
The most substantial impact came from the destruction of residential and commercial structures, contributing an estimated 2.4 million tons of CO2. The researchers detailed that airports, military installations, homes, and business premises have been either damaged or completely demolished in the conflict.
This includes 16,191 residential units, 3,384 commercial units, 77 medical centres, and 69 schools, the team explained, underscoring the widespread devastation.
Destroyed Fuel Stocks
Following closely, destroyed fuel accounted for over 1.8 million tons of CO2 emissions during the two-week timeframe. The study noted that Israeli airstrikes targeted multiple oil storage facilities in Iran, including sites in Tehran, Shahran, and Aghdasieh.
Additionally, Iranian drone attacks have ignited fires and caused significant damage to oil refineries and storage infrastructure in Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait. The researchers estimated that between 2.5 and 5.9 million barrels of oil were destroyed at storage facilities across the Gulf region and in oil tankers.
Fuel Consumption in Combat Operations
Fuel utilised in combat and support missions was responsible for approximately 529,000 tonnes of emissions. The analysis pointed out that the United States and Israel have heavily relied on aerial bombardments to strike targets within Iran.
F-15s, F-35s, and even B-12 bombers have been deployed in this conflict, the researchers stated. Based on over 6,000 targets struck and the munitions required, they estimate around 2,500 flights, each lasting about three hours, have been conducted.
Equipment Loss and Embodied Carbon
The loss of military equipment contributed an estimated 172,000 tonnes of CO2, factoring in the embodied carbon from manufacturing. The United States has reported the loss of four aircraft, including three F-15 fighter jets and one KC-135 refuelling plane.
Iran, meanwhile, is said to have lost 28 aircraft, encompassing fighter jets such as F-14s, SU-22s, and SU-24s, along with military transport aircraft like IL-76s and Boeing 747s. Beyond aircraft, Iran has also lost approximately 21 naval vessels and about 300 missile launchers.
Missiles and Drones
Finally, missiles and drones were accountable for 55,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. This war has been intensive in the use of missiles and drones, the researchers added, highlighting the technological warfare aspect. Iranian forces have also attacked at least five oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began.
Summary of Key Emission Sources
- Destroyed homes and buildings: 2.4 million tons
- Destroyed fuel: 1.8 million tons
- Fuel used in combat and support operations: 529,000 tons
- Equipment embodied carbon: 172,000 tons
- Missiles and drones: 55,000 tons
This comprehensive study underscores how modern warfare not only causes immediate human and structural damage but also imposes a severe, long-term environmental burden, accelerating global climate change through substantial greenhouse gas emissions.
