ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF ARMED CONFLICTS

an analysis from the perspective of environmental and international humanitarian law

Abstract

This study analyzes the environmental impacts resulting from armed conflicts, focusing on the ecological consequences and legal challenges faced by Environmental Law and International Law. As conflicts occur in different parts of the world, there is an urgent need to examine how environmental degradation resulting from wars affects ecosystem sustainability and the protection of natural resources. The research problem was defined as: How can Environmental Law and International Law be integrated and applied to mitigate environmental damage resulting from armed conflicts, and what international cooperation and accountability mechanisms can be implemented to ensure environmental protection during and after periods of war? Specific objectives include: (a) examining the effectiveness of existing legal instruments for environmental protection in times of war; (b) evaluating how international treaties and conventions address the issue and how the effectiveness of environmental protection is compromised; and (c) discussing the responsibility of States, international organizations, and other agents involved in the preservation and reparation of environmental damages. The research is based on the hypothesis that existing international legal instruments, although representing significant advances, still present considerable gaps regarding effective environmental protection in conflict contexts. The methodology consisted of a literature review, with a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive nature, using a deductive approach, aimed at critically analyzing applicable international treaties and environmental conventions. Official documents, treaties, conventions, international jurisprudence, and academic productions published.